BANCROFT    LIBRAKf 


?y  f 
~  *mpliments  of -.  See  Page. 


MISSODRI  PACIFIC  Ri  SYSTEM 

Int.  and  Great  Northern  R.  R.  Division. 

SOLID*  TRAINS*  WITH  *  ALL  *  MODERN  *  IMPROYK.MKNTS 

Til ItOUGII   UliTWKKN 

Galvestop  apd  St.Louis, 

VIA   TEXARKAJ4A. 

SII  AKTOHIQ IIB  ST.  LQ11S,  VIA  UNISON, 

Without  Cliange  of  Cars  of  any  Description,  an<l  only  One  Change  to 

Chicago,   Cincinnati,    Louisville,    Baltimore. 

Washington,    Philadelphia,    New    York, 

Boston,  and  other  Principal  Cities 


P      „ 

rnllman  i% 


TK. 


-       V       ^M.     Js*&  M&       ' 

VIA  DENISON  THROUGH  TO  ST.  LOUIS, 


Passengers  Booked  to  and  from  all  points  in  Europe,  via  the  ••American"  s.  s.  Line. 
between  Philadelphia  and  Liverpool,  and  the  "Red  Star'"  S.  S.  Line,  between  Nt-\v  York. 
Philadelphia  and  Antwerp. 

For  full  information  call  on  any  of  our  Ticket  Agents,  or 

H.  F.  HTJGHE3,  Passenger  Agent,  HOUSTON,  TEX. 
"W.  H.  NEWMAN,  B.  W.  McTOLLOTJGH, 

Traffic  Manager.  Gen'l  P<t*x.  <n«l  Tt<-k<t  A<i>. 

GALVESTONrTEX. 


HISTORICAL  AND  DESCRIPTIVE  REVIEW 


OF   THE 


INDUSTRIES  OF  AUSTIN 


188S, 


Commerce,  Trade  and   Manufactures, 


MANUFACTURING    ADVANTAGES,    BUSINESS     AND    TRANSPOR- 
TATION    FACILITIES, 


TOGETHER  WITH 


SKETCHES  OF  THE  REPRESENTATIVE  BUSIf  ESS  HOUSES 


AND 


MANUFACTURING   ESTABLISHMENTS 


IN  THE  CITY. 

>    ^uLb^.s^d    \?ub)'S; 


AUSTIN,  TEXAS, 

PUBLISHED  BY  THE  AUTHORS. 

1885. 


PUBLISHERS'  NOTICE 


Much  has  been  said  and  written  during. the  past  decade  of  years  concern- 
ing the  wonderful  resources  of  Texas,  the  greatest  amount  of  stress,  however, 
being  laid  upon  its  advantages  for  agriculture  and  stock-raising.  The  partial- 
ity thus  exhibited  has  evidently  had  a  tendency  to  obstruct  the  development, 
through  the  influence  of  capital  from  abroad,  of  those  equally  as  important 
interests  coming  under  the  head  of  commerce  and  manufactures,  and  has  also, 
in  no  small  measure,  been  discouraging  to  the  home  efforts  in  that  direction. 
The  resources  of  the  State  are  of  such  a  broad  and  comprehensive  character, 
as  to  demand  the  fullest  recognition  of  every  interest  in  anywise  calculated  to 
contribute  to  the  material  prosperity  of  its  people ;  and  it  behooves  every  city 
and  town  to  place  before  the  public  at  large  a  succinct  statement  of  the  local 
advantages  possessed  for  building  up  trade  and  industry.  The  wisdom  of  such 
a  policy  is  to  be  seen  in  the  substantial  benefits  which  have  followed,  wherever 
the  method  has  been  adopted. 

No  point  within  the  broad  domain  of  Texas,  has  more  to  gain  by  herald- 
ing abroad  its  advantages  for  commercial  and  manufacuring  capital,  than 
Austin.  The  Capital,  as  well  as  the  most  beautiful  residence  city  in  the  State, 
it  also  possesses  every  facility  that  Nature  can  provide,  and  many  that  artifice 
has  contributed  for  making  it  one  of  the  chief  industrial  centers  of  Texas. 
Not  only  are  its  advantages  of  the  highest  standard  and  its  natural  resources 
inexhaustible  in  extent,  but  it  presents  a  field  of  manifold  opportunities  for 
the  safe  investment  of  capital,  skill,  and  enterprise,  which  cannot  be  duplicated 
elsewhere,  nor  are  they  likely  to  remain  long  unimproved. 

The  enterprising  business  men  of  the  city  are  vigorously  laboring  to 
develop  its  latent  strength  as  a  commercial  and  manufacturing  center,  and  it 
is  to  further  their  commendable  efforts  that  this  volume  is  placed  before  the 
public. 

In  compiling  it,  we  have  been  placed  under  many  obligations  for  the  valu- 
able assistance  rendered  by  the  citizens  generally,  and  through  Messrs.  J.  W. 
Robertson,  Mayor  of  the  city ;  J.  L.  Driskill,  Walter  Tips,  A.  P.  Wooldridge,  E. 
T.  Eggleston,  and  Ed.  W.  Shands,  we  desire  to  return  our  sincere  thanks  for 
the  appreciative  interest  that  has  been  manifested  in  the  success  of  the  under- 
taking. That  it  will  result  in  securing  to  the  Capital  City  of  Texas,  the  great- 
est possible  benefits  is  the  earnest  hope  of 

THE  PUBLISHERS. 

July  1,  1885. 


GENERAL  INDEX. 


A 

Achilles,  A.  H.,  Groceries  and  Feed 59 

Austin  Coal  Company;  Mattingsley  &  Co.,  Agents 93 

Austin  Gas  Light  and  Coal  Co 59 

Austin  Ice  Factory ;  Joe  Brunet,  Proprietor 62 

Avenue  Hotel ;  D.  M.  Wilson,  Proprietor 61 

B 

Bahn,  Adolph,  Watchmaker  and  Jeweler 78 

Bandy,  E .  T.,  Saddlery  and  Harness 92 

Barnes  &  Scott,  Staple  and  Fancy  Groceries 67 

Bremond,  John,  Dry  Goods,  Boots,  Shoes,  Etc 87 

Brown,  R.  L.,  Investing  Agent 61 

G 

Calcasieu  Lumber  Company 69 

Capital  Business  College  and  School  of  Penmanship 98 

Capital  Ice  Factory  ;  Mattingley  &  Zimpelman.  Proprietors 64 

Capital  Oil  Company ;  C.  W.  Hopkins.  Manager 102 

Carroll  ton  House ;  Dr.  A.  D.  Harn,  Proprietor 92 

Chadwick  &  DeCordova,  Insurance  Agents 78 

Collett,  J .  H . ,  Land  and  General  Agent 77 

Crystal  Saloon ;   Charles  Cortissoz,  Proprietor 95 

D 

Dahlich,  C.  A.,  Furniture  and  House  Furnishing  Goods,  Etc 76 

DeCordova  &  Sons,  Texas  Land  and  Tax  Agency 80 

Duke,  Madame  E.  F.,  Proprietor  of  "  Templeton's  Eye  Water,"  Etc. . ., 89 

B. 

Edwards  &  Co.,  News  Dealers  and  Stationers 76 

Everett,  F.,  Real  Estate  Agent  and  Notary  Public 100 

F 

Firebaugh,  W.  H.,  &  Co.,  Hardware,  Plow  and  Wagon  Materials 97 

Fisher,  Rhoads,  Land  and  General  Agent 66 

Franks,  Miss  Mary  E.,  Dressmaker 84 


IV  GENERAL   INDEX. 


Q 

Gardner,  A.,  &  Co.,  Lumber  Dealers  and  Planing  Mill  .................................  102 

Gerhard,  P.  H.,  Hardware,  Machinery,  Etc  ............................................  57 

Gettins,  Bobo  &  Co.,  Land,  Loan  and  Collections  ......................................  83 

Glass,  W.  A.,  Wood  and  Coal  Dealer  ...................................................  77 

Graham  &  Andrews,  Druggists  ........................................................  67 

H 

Hawkes,  A.  K.,  Optician  ...............................................................  74 

Hill,  S.  B.,  Photography  ...............................................................  62 

Hollingsworth,  C.  X.,  Land  and  Live  Stock  Agency  ...................................  104 


Johns,  C.  E.  ,  &  Sons,  Texas  State  Agency  .............................................    93 

Jones,  D.  W.,  &  Co.,  Furniture  and  Carpets  ...........................................  100 


Kirby,  B.  H.,  Land  and  General  Agent  ................................................  101 


Land  &  Thompson,  Heal  Estate  and  Land  Agency  .....................................  107 

M 

Maddox  Bros.  &  Anderson,  Land  and  Real  Estate  Agents  .............................  75 

Martin,  Henry,  Stoves,  Tinware,  Cultery,  Etc  .........................................  63 

Mayer,  Carl,  Jeweler  ..................................................................  60 

McClure,  Mrs.  M.  A.  ,  Staple  and  Fancy  Groceries  ....................................  89 

Morrison  &  Fourmy,  Directory  Publishers  ............................................  105 

Moses,  W.  ,  &  Son,  Merchant  Tailors,  Etc  ..............................................  87 

Murrah,  Tom,  Land  and  Real  Estate  Agent  ............................................  60 

N 

Nalle  &  Co.  ,  Rough  and  Dressed  Lumber  ..............................................  79 

Newning,  Turner  &  Warner,  Real  Estate  and  Insurance  Agents  ......................  94 

Newman  &  Co  .  ,  Dry  and  Fancy  Goods  ...............................................  1~ 

Nixon,  A.  M.  C.,  Architect  ...........................................................  95 

IP 

Padgitt  &  Warmoth,  Saddlery,  Leather,  Etc  ...........................................  88 

Pressler,  Paul,  Agent  for  Semps'  St.  Louis  Lager  Beer  .................................  106 

Preston  &  Son,  Architects  ..........................  -  ......................................  69 

Purki  ss,  E.  M  .  ,  House,  Sign  and  Ornamental  Painter,  Etc  ............................  65 


GENERAL   INDEX. 


Kobinson,  John  H. ,  &  Son,  General  Merchandise 70 

Kobinson,  T.  P.,  Hides  and  Wool 86 

Euffini,  F.  E. ,  Architect 106 

© 

Schmitz,  F.,  Furniture  and  Carpets,  Etc 96 

Schoolherr,  L.,  &  Bro.,  Dry  Goods 68 

Shands,  Edward  W.,  &  Son,  General  Real  Estate  and  Insurance 103 

Sheehan,  John,  Plain  and  Fancy  Groceries 63 

Smith  &  Brady,  Boots  and  Shoes 58 

Spence,  Joseph,  Real  Estate  and  Collecting  Agent 64 

Stacy  &  Hicks,  Jobbers  of  Cigars  and  Tobacco 101 

Stewart  &  Habicht,  Law,  Claim,  Banking  and  Collection  Office 91 

Stuart  Female  Seminary 71 

Sweeny,  W.  B. ,  Real  Estate  and  Rental  Agent 97 

Swindells'  Printing  House 62 

T 

The  Erie  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company,  J.  K.  Dunbar,  Superintendent 85 

The  New  and  Purity  Tea  and  Coffee  Store,  J.  C.  Beall,  Proprietor 85 

The  Texas  Abstract  Company,  Jas.  A.  Dickenson,  President 96 

Thomson  &  Donnan,  Land  and  Claim  Agents 68 

Tillotson  Collegiate  and  Normal  Institute 73 

U 

Underbill  &  Co.,  Marble  Works !...  86 

V 

Von  Rosenberg,  W. ,  Land  and  General  Agent 66 

W 

Waters-Pierce  Oil  Company,  W.  B.  Abadie,  Manager 80 

Wayland  &  Criser,  Grocers 103 

Webb,  John  A. ,  «fe  Bro. ,  Agricultural  Implements  and  Wagons 84 

Wells,  B.C.,  Jeweler 65 

Wilson,  Mrs.  M.,  Millinery  and  Fancy  Goods 81 

Z 

Zerr  &  Buass,  Galvanized  Iron  Cornices  and  Metal  Roofing 99 

Zimpelman  &  Bergen,  Land  and  Insurance  Agents 81 


Peoria,  Decatur  &  Evansville 


SHORT   LINE 

—AND— 

QUICKEST  in  TIME 


-TO  ALL  POINTS- 


NORTH,  WEST 
NORTHWEST, 


ONLY  LINE 

RUNNING 

SOLID  TRAINS 


TYITi B  tTrJTrryir 


TftfTtiTKlM  J  nyr^^i 


EVANSVILLE, 

MATTOON, 

Decatur  and  Pooria 


At  Evansville  connection  for  both  Passenger  and  Freight  with  this  line  is  made,  and 
thus  taps  the  whole  Northern  Railroad  System,  giving  it 

THROUGH  CONNECTIONS   AND   FACILITIES 


PEORIA, 

ROCK  ISLAND, 

ST.  PAUL     MINNEAPOLIS,  CHICAGO 


ALL    POINTS    NORTH    AND    NORTHWEST, 

As  well  as  all  points  in  Illinois,  Iowa,  Wisconsin,  Minnesota,  Dakota  and  Montana. 
The  road  is  thoroughly  equipped  with  the  latest  improved  and  best  rolling  stock,  the 
track  laid  with  STEEL  RAILS. 

Safety  appliances  on  Passenger  Trains,  and  courteous  and  attentive  train  officials. 
Take  a  trip  over  this  line  and  you  will  be  convinced  of  it. 


GEO.  L.  BRADBURY, 


H.  C.  PARKER, 


S.  M.  MILLER, 


Vice  Pres.  and  Sen.  Ming.  Traffic  Manager.  Qen.  Fast,  and  Tit.  Agt. 

OFFICES,  F»EORIA     ILL. 


LAND  &  THOMPSON, 

REAL  ESTATE  DEALERS  AND 

GENERAL  LAND  AGENCY  OFFICE, 


WILL  Attend  to  the  Sale,  Purchase,  Exchange,  and  Lease  of  Lands;  Locating  of 
Lands;  Paying  of  Taxes,  and  Protection  of  Lands  ;  Redemption  of  Lands  from 
Tax  Sales;  Inspection  of  Lands  and  Perfecting  of  Titles;  Make  Investments  for 
Capitalists,  and  Make  Loans  on  Lands,  and  all  other  matters  in  any   way  connected 
with  the    General    Land    Office  Business,  in    a    Prompt,    Reliable  and    Satisfactory 
manner. 

FARM  LANDS, 

MINERAL  LANDS, 

STOCK  LANDS. 

Buying  and  Selling  of  Farms,  Ranches  and  Stock. 


=  OTBR  MILLION   ACRES  :^ 

OF  THE  FINEST 

Grazing  and  Farming  Lands  in  Texas, 

For  Sale  at  Low  Rates  to  Actual  Settlers. 


Buy  and  Sell  City  Property,  Rent  and  Collect  Rents;  Place  Fire  Insurance,  Pay  Taxes 
and  Keep  Up  Improvements  and  Conduct  a  General  Real  Estate  Business  in  all  Branches. 
Being  personally  acquainted  with  the  Prominent  Land  Operators  and  Real  Estate  Men 
of  St.  Louis,  Chicago,  Indianapolis,  Cincinnati,  Baltimore  and  other  Principal  Cities, 
and  possessing  all  other  necessary  facilities,  we  are  enabled  to  place  Property 
entrusted  to  us  with  a  rare  Promptness  and  upon  such  Advantageous 
Terms  as  but  few  Land  Agents  in  Texas  can  Duplicate. 

Our  Terms   are    Liberal,   as  the   New    Era  of  Low  Prices  Demand 
they  should  be. 

Correspondence  Solicited,  and  References  Furnished  on  application. 

See  Page  1O7. 


Aostle 


I 


LAKE   SUPERIOR. 

lL  HANDSOME  aqd  valuable  book  for  Tourists, 
describiqg  aqd  illustrating  trje  couqtry 
around  Lake  Superior  of  wrjich  so  rquch  has  beeq 
writteq  aqd  said  during  trje  last  few  years. 

ASHLAND,  LAKE  SUPERIOR, 

Wrjere  it  is,  aqd  rjow  to  get  trjere.  Trje  great  "Hotel 
Chequarqegon,""  thLe  largest  Surqmer  Hotel  in  the 
country.  The  Wisconsin  Ceqtral  Line  "Trje  Route" 

for  Tourists. 

Through  Palace  Sleeper  from  Chicago  to  Lake  Superior. 

Seqd  for  a  copy  of  trje  above  meqtioned   book, 
free  of  charge  to  any  address. 

F.  N.  FINNEY,  General  Manager.  JAS.   BARKER,  Gen'l  Pass.  Agent. 

MILWAUKEE,  WlS. 

H,  C.   FULLER,  Gen'l  Agent,  55  Clark  Street,  Chicago,  III. 


TRADE,  COMMERCE  AND  INDUSTRIES 


OF 


AUSTIN,  TEXAS. 


INTRODUCTORY. 

Though  it  is  a  time  honored  custom  among  book-makers  to  give  each  vol- 
ume an  introductory  chapter,  clearly  for  the  purpose  of  more  readily  securing 
it  a  favorable  recognition  among  the  reading  public,  yet  it  must  be  admitted 
that,  however  important  the  influence  of  such  a  chapter  might  once  have  been, 
it  exercises  but  little  or  no  weight  in  this  matter-of-fact  age,  wherein  the  readers, 
as  a  rule,  skip  the  "  introductory  "  and  get  at  once  at  the  pith  of  the  volume. 
Such  being  a  fact,  generally  speaking,  it  certainly  is  a  superfluous  labor  to 
observe  the  old  custom  in  a  work  devoted  to  those  interests  which  more  imme- 
diately concern  the  world  than  all  others  combined,  and  to  which  this  country 
in  particular  is  indebted  for  its  wonderful  advancement  to  the  foremost  rank 
among  nations,  its  grand  successes  and  magnificent  prosperity.  And  as  the 
title  of  this  volume  plainly  indicates  its  object  to  be  the  betterment  of  the  Cap- 
ital City  of  the  great  State  of  Texas  through  the  further  development  of  its 
trade,  commerce  and  industries,  economy  of  space  urges  us  to  dispense  with  all 
unnecessary  preliminaries  and  enter  at  once  upon  the  task  before  us. 

HISTORICAL. 

The  independence  of  the  Republic  of  Texas  was  declared  March  2, 1836, 
and  Houston  (which  had  been  established  as  a  town  site  about  the  same  period) 
was  made  the  temporary  capital.  Under  the  administration  of  President 
Lamar,  the  Congress  of  the  Republic  passed  an  act,  January  4,-1839,  providing 
for  the  election  of  five  commissioners,  who  were  authorized  to  select  a  site  for 
the  permanent  seat  of  government,  between  the  Trinity  and  Colorado  rivers 
and  above  the  old  San  Antonio  road,  which  crossed  the  Colorado  River  at  the 
town  of  Bastrop.  The  site  was  to  comprise  a  tract  of  land  not  less  than  one, 
nor  more  than  four  leagues  in  extent,  and  was  to  be  selected  either  out  of  the 
public  domain,  from  private  donation  or  by  purchase,  at  a  cost  not  exceeding 
three  dollars  per  acre.  The  act  also  provided  for  the  appointment  of  an  agent 
for  the  purpose  of  laying  out  640  acres  of  the  land  thus  selected,  in  town  lots, 


10  AUSTIN — HER 


and  after  reserving  a  sufficient  number  of  the  most  eligible  lots  for  the  capital 
and  other  necessary  government  buildings,  to  sell  one-half  the  remainder  at 
public  auction.  The  site  thus  laid  out  was,  under  the  provisions  of  the  act, 
to  be  called  the  "  City  of  Austin." 

The  result  of  the  labors  of  the  commissioners  thus  appointed  is  best  told 
in  the  following  reproduction  of  their  report : 

CITY  OF  HOUSTON,  April  13,  A.  D.  1839. 
To  His  Excellency  Mirabeau  B.  Lamar,  President  of  the  Republic  of  Texas: 

"  The  commissioners  appointed  under  the  act  of  Congress,  dated  January, 
1839,  for  locating  the  permanent  site  of  the  seat  of  government  for  the  Repub- 
lic, have  the  honor  to  report  to  your  Excellency  that  they  have  selected  the 
site  of  the  town  of  Waterloo,  on  the  east  bank  of  the  Colorado  River,  with  the 
lands  adjoining,  as  per  the  deed  of  the  sheriff  of  Bastrop  County,  bearing 
date  March,  1839,  and  per  the  relinquishment  of  Logan  Vandever,  James 
Rodgers,  G.  D.  Hancock,  J.  W.  Harrall  and  Aaron  Burleson,  by  Edward  Burle- 
son,  all  under  date  of  seventh  of  March,  1839,  as  the  site  combining  the 
greatest  number  of,  and  the  most  important  advantages  to  the  Republic,  by  the 
location  of  the  seat  of  government  thereon,  than  any  other  situation  which 
came  under  their  observation  within  the  limits  assigned  them,  and  as  being, 
therefore,  their  choice  for  the  location  aforesaid. 

We  have  the  honor  to  represent  to  your  Excellency  that  we  have  traversed 
and  critically  examined  the  country  on  both  sides  of  the  Colorado  and  Brazos 
Rivers,  from  the  upper  San  Antonio  road  to  and  about  the  falls,  on  both  those 
rivers,  and  that  we  have  not  neglected  the  intermediate  country  between  them, 
but  have  examined  it  more  particularly  than  a  due  regard  to  our  personal 
safety  did  perfectly  warrant. 

We  found  the  Brazos  River  more  central,  perhaps,  in  reference  to  actual 
existing  population,  and  found  in  it  and  its  tributaries,  perhaps,  a  greater 
quantity  of  fertile  lands  than  are  to  be  found  on  the  Colorado,  but  on  the  other 
hand,  we  were  of  opinion  that  the  Colorado  was  more  central  in  respect  to 
territory,  and  this,  in  connection  with  the  great  desideratums  of  health,  fine 
water,  stone,  stone  coal,  water  power,  etc.,  being  more  abundant  and  convenient 
on  the  Colorado  than  on  the  Brazos  River,  did  more  than  counterbalance  the 
supposed  superiority  of  the  lands,  as  well  as  the  centrality  of  position  in  refer- 
ence to  population,  possessed  by  the  Brazos  River. 

In  reference  to  the  protection  to  be  afforded  to  the  frontier  by  the  location 
of  the  seat  of  government,  a  majority  of  the  commissioners  are  of  opinion 
that  that  object  will  be  as  well  attained  by  the  location  upon  one  river  as  upon 
the  other ;  being  also  of  opinion  that  within  a  very  short  period  of  time  fol- 
lowing the  location  of  the  seat  of  government  upon  the  frontier,  the  extension 


TKADE,  COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  11 

of  the  settlements  produced  thereby  will  engender  other  theories  of  defense  on 
lands  now  the  homes  of  the  Comanche  and  the  bison. 

The  site  selected  by  the  commissioners  is  composed  of  five-thirds  of  leagues 
of  land  and  two  labors,  all  adjoining,  and  having  a  front  upon  the  Colorado 
River  somewhat  exceeding  three  miles  in  breadth.  It  contains  seven  thousand 
seven  hundred  and  thirty-five  acres  of  land,  and  will  cost  the  Republic  the 
sum  of  twenty-one  thousand  dollars  or  thereabouts,  one  tract  not  being  sur- 
veyed. Nearly  the  whole  front  is  a  bluff  of  from  thirty  to  forty  feet  elevation, 
being  the  termination  of  a  prairie  containing  perhaps  two  thousand  acres, 
composed  of  a  chocolate  colored  sandy  loam,  intersected  by  two  beautiful 
streams  of  permanent  and  pure  water,  one  of  which  forms  at  its  debouche  into 
the  river  a  timbered  rye  bottom  of  about  thirty  acres.  These  rivulets  rise  at 
an  elevation  of  from  sixty  to  one  hundred  feet,  on  the  back  part  of  the  site  or 
track,  by  means  of  which  the  contemplated  city  might,  at  comparatively  small 
expense,  be  well  watered,  in  addition  to  which  are  several  fine  bluff  springs  of 
pure  water  on  the  river  at  convenient  distances  from  each  other. 

The  site  is  about  two  miles  distant  from,  and  in  full  view  of,  the  moun- 
tains or  breaks  of  the  table  lands,  which,  judging  by  the  eye,  are  of  about 
three  hundred  feet  elevation.  They  are  of  limestone  formation,  and  are  cov- 
ered with  live  oak  and  dwarf  cedar  to  their  summits.  On  the  site  and  its  im- 
mediate vicinity,  stone  in  inexhaustible  quantities  and  great  varieties  is  found 
almost  fashioned  by  nature  for  the  builder's  hands ;  lime  and  stone  coal 
abound  in  the  vicinity ;  timber  for  ordinary  building  purposes  abounds  on  the 
tract,  though  the  timber  for  building  in  the  immediate  neighborhood  is  not  of 
so  fine  a  character  as  might  be  wished,  being  mostly  cotton  wood,  ash,  burr  oak, 
hackberry,  post  oak  and  cedar,  the  last  suitable  for  shingles  and  small  frames. 

At  the  distance  of  eighteen  miles  west  by  south  from  the  site,  on  Onion 
Creek,  'a  stream  affording  fine  water  power,'  is  a  large  body  of  very  fine  cypress, 
which  is  also  found  at  intervals  up  the  river  for  a  distance  of  forty  miles,  and 
together  with  immense  quantities  of  fine  cedar,  might  readily  be  floated  down 
the  streams,  as  the  falls,  two  miles  above  the  site,  present  no  obstruction  to 
floats  or  rafts,  being  only  a  descent  of  about  five  feet  in  one  hundred  and  fifty 
yards,  over  a  smooth  bed  of  limestone  formation,  very  nearly  resembling 
colored  marble. 

By  this  route,  also,  immense  quantities  of  stone  coal,  building  materials, 
and  in. a  few  years  agricultural  and  mineral  products  for  the  contemplated  city 
can  be  obtained,  as  no  rapids  save  those  mentioned  occur  in  the  river  below 
the  San  Saba,  nor  are  they  known  to  exist  for  a  great  distance  above  the  junc- 
tion of  that  stream  with  the  Colorado. 

Opposite  the  site,  at  the  distance  of  one  mile,  Spring  Creek  and  its  tribu- 
taries afford,  perhaps,  the  greatest  and  most  convenient  water  power  to  be 


12  AUSTIN — HER 


found  in  the  Republic.  Walnut  Creek,  distant  six  miles,  and  Brushy  Creek, 
distant  sixteen  miles,  both  on  the  east  side  of  the  river,  afford  very  considerable 
water  power.  Extensive  deposits  of  iron  ore,  adjudged  to  be  of  very  superior 
quality,  is  found  within  eight  miles  of  the  location. 

This  section  of  country  is  generally  well  watered,  fertile  in  a  high  degree, 
and  has  every  appearance  of  health  and  salubrity  of  climate.  The  site  occu- 
pies and  will  effectually  close  the  pass  by  which  Indians  and  outlawed  Mexi- 
cans have  for  ages  past  traveled  east  and  west,  to  and  from  the  Rio  Grande  to 
Eastern  Texas,  and  will  now  force  them  to  pass  by  the  way  of  Pecan  Bayou 
and  San  Saba,  above  the  mountains  and  the  sources  of  the  Guadalupe  River. 

The  commissioners  confidently  anticipate  the  time  when  a  great  thorough- 
fare shall  be  established  from  Santa  Fe  to  our  seaports,  and  another  from  Red 
River  to  Matamoros,  which  two  routes  must  almost  of  necessity  intersect  each 
other  at  this  point.  They  look  forward  to  the  time  when  this  city  shall  be  the 
emporium  of  not  only  the  productions  of  the  rich  soil  of  the  San  Saba,  Peder- 
nales,  Hero  and  Pecan  Bayou,  but  of  all  the  Colorado  and  Brazos,  as  also  of 
the  produce  of  the  rich  mining  country  known  to  exist  on  these  streams. 
They  are  satisfied  that  a  truly  national  city  could,  at  no  other  point  within  the 
limits  assigned  them,  be  reared  up ;  not  that  other  sections  of  the  country  are 
not  equally  fertile,  but  that  no  other  combined  so  many  and  such  varied 
advantages  and  beauties  as  the  one  in  question.  The  imagination  of  even  the 
romantic  will  not  be  disappointed  on  viewing  the  valley  of  the  Colorado,  and 
the  fertile  and  gracefully  undulating  woodlands  and  luxuriant  prairies  at  a 
distance  from  it.  The  most  skeptical  will  not  doubt  its  healthiness,  and  the 
citizen's  bosom  must  swell  with  honest  pride  when  standing  in  the  portico  of 
the  capitol  of  his  country  he  looks  abroad  upon  a  region  worthy  only  of 
being  the  home  of  the  brave  and  the  free.  Standing  on  the  juncture  of  the 
routes  of  Santa  Fe  and  the  sea  coast,  of  Red  River  and  Matamoros,  looking 
with  the  same  glance  upon  the  green,  romantic  mountains  and  the  fertile  and 
widely  extended  plains  of  his  country — can  a  feeling  of  nationality  fail  to 
arise  in  his  bosom,  or  could  the  fire  of  patriotism  lie  dormant  under  such  cir- 
cumstances ? 

Fondly  hoping  that  we  may  not  have  disappointed  the  expectations  of 
either  our  countrymen  or  your  Excellency,  we  subscribe  ourselves  your  P^xcel- 
lency's  most  obedient  servants, 

H.  C.  HORTON,  Chairman,  ISAAC  CAMPBELL, 

J.  W.  BURTON,  LOUIS  P.  COOKE." 

WILLIAM  MENIFEE, 

Immediately  upon  the  reception  of  the  report  of  the  commissioners  the 
President  appointed  Judge  Edwin  Waller,  the  agent — as  provided  for  in  the 
act — who  with  a  corps  of  surveyors,  proceeded  to  the  site  selected,  and  entered 


TRADE,  COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  13 

vigorously  upon  the  duties  required  of  him.  He  found  the  so-called  town  of 
Waterloo  to  consist  of  but  three  families,  and  Montopolis,  its  ambitious  rival, 
two  miles  below,  composed  of  two  families.  The  first  sale  of  lots  was 
made  August  1,  1839,  three  hundred  and  six  being  sold  at  prices  ranging  from 
$120  to  $2,800  each,  and  bringing,  in  the  aggregate,  the  sum  of  $182,588. 
Before  the  sale,  however,  the  city  had  commenced  rapidly  to  fill  up  with  good, 
staunch  and  hardy  citizens,  and  by  the  time  it  took  place,  many  houses  had 
been  erected,  by  parties  who  were  willing  thus  to  build  and  risk  their  chances 
of  purchasing  the  lots  on  which  they  had  built,  at  the  sale. 

The  erection  of  public  as  well  as  private  buildings  rapidly  progressed,  and 
on  the  17th  day  of  October,  1839,  President  Lamar,  with  a  portion  of  his 
cabinet,  arrived  in  Austin.  This  was  a  day  of  great  rejoicing  among  the 
citizens.  The  President  was  met  a  few  miles  from  the  city  by  a  large  proces- 
sion, headed  by  Gen.  A.  Sidney  Johnson  (who  was  then  Secretary  of  War,  but 
had  preceded  the  President),  and  Gen.  Edward  Burleson.  Judge  Waller,  on 
behalf  of  the  citizens,  welcomed  the  President  to  the  capital  city  in  a  bi  ief  but 
well  worded  address. 

The  arrival  of  the  President  and  his  party  gave  renewed  confidence  to 
the  people ;  emigrants  were  flocking  to  the  new  city,  and  buildings  were  rapidly 
going  up  in  every  direction.  In  the  latter  part  of  October,  1839,  the  Austin 
City  Gazette  was  established  by  Sam  Whiting,  and  shortly  afterwards  another 
paper,  called  the  Sentiiiel,  was  also  established. 

On  the  llth  of  November,  1839,  the  first  session  of  the  Fourth  Congress  met 
at  the  new  capital,  and  in  a  very  short  time  commenced  agitating  the  question  of 
a  removal  of  the  seat  of  government,  and  finally  a  bill  was  introduced  to  leave 
the  subject  of  removal  to  the  people,  which  was  very  promptly  voted  down, 
notwithstanding  it  was  zealously  supported  by  Gen.  Houston,  who  was  then  a 
member  of  Congress  from  San  Augustine  county. 

Early  in  January,  1840,  Mr.  Amos  Roark  found  the  census  of  the  city  to 
be  as  follows :  "  Seventy-five  families,  population  eight  hundred  and  fifty-six, 
of  which  seven  hundred  and  eleven  were  whites  and  one  hundred  and  forty- 
five  blacks — five  hundred  and  fifty  grown  men,  sixty-one  ladies,  one  hundred 
children,  seventy-seven  of  which  are  large  enough  to  go  to  school ;  seventy- 
three  professors  of  religion — seventeen  Methodists,  twelve  Presbyterians,  five 
Cumberland  Presbyterians,  eleven  Episcopalians,  ten  Baptists  and  ten  Roman 
Catholics ;  two  organized  churches — one  Methodist  and  one  Presbyterian  ;  two 
Methodist  preachers,  one  Cumberland  Presbyterian  and  one  Baptist  preacher ; 
one  Sabbath  school,  one  week  day  school,  thirty-five  mechanics,  four  lawyers, 
six  doctors,  six  inns,  nine  stores,  nine  groceries,  one  billiard  table,  six  faro 
banks,  twenty  gamblers,  two  silversmith  shops,  two  printing  offices  and  two 
tailor  shops." 


14  AUSTIN — HER 


Congress  having  passed  an  act  incorporating  the  City  of  Austin,  an  elec- 
tion under  the  charter  was  held  January  13,  1840,  and  the  first  city  officers 
chosen,  Judge  Waller  being  elected  Mayor,  under  whose  administration  the 
city  prospered  greatly.  The  Supreme  Court  met  for  the  first  time  in  the  city, 
on  the  day  of  the  election  for  city  officers,  Thomas  J.  Rusk  being  Chief  Justice, 
and  James  M.  Robinson,  John  T.  Mills,  William  J.  Jones  and  Anthony  B. 
Shelby,  Associate  Justices ;  William  Fairfax  Gray,  clerk ;  Preston  Coulee, 
sheriff,  and  after  a  session  of  thirteen  days,  adjourned.  At  the  following  ses- 
sion, in  1841,  Judge  Rusk  having  retired  from  the  bench,  Judge  John  Hemp- 
hill  became  Chief  Justice,  and  on  the  20th  of  January,  1841,  the  office  of  clerk 
being  declared  vacant,  Gen.  Thomas  Green  was  elected  and  continued  in  the  posi- 
tion until  the  breaking  out  of  the  civil  war,  in  which  he  distinguished  himself 
as  an  able  Brigadier  General  in  Gen.  Kirby  Smith's  army,  sacrificing  his  life 
in  the  gunboat  engagement  at  Blair's  Landing  on  Red  River. 

The  independence  of  Texas  had  been  acknowledged  by  the  United  States 
(that  government  being  represented  by  Geo.  H.  Flood,  at  the  Capital  of  the 
young  Republic),  England,  and  France.  M.  De  Saligny,  the  French  Minister, 
had  also  arrived  in  the  city,  and  had  erected  one  of  the  finest  residences  then 
in  the  State.  About  this  time  negotiations  were  pending  between  the  Repub- 
lic of  Texas  and  France  for  a  loan  by  the  latter  government  to  aid  the  develop- 
ment of  Texas.  Had  the  loan  been  effected,  it  would  unquestionably  have 
proved  disastrous  to  the  future  grand  career  of  the  State.  Fortunately,  it  was 
prevented  by  some  pigs  belonging  to  Mr.  Bullock,  the  principal  hotel-keeper  in 
the  city.  The  pigs  were  in  the  habit  of  running  about  the  stable  of  the 
French  minister,  much  to  the  annoyance  of  a  servant  who  finally  killed  them. 
Mr.  Bullock,  in  retaliation,  whipped  the  servant,  which  action  highly  incensed 
the  French  diplomat,  and  as  a  result  his  conduct  became  so  obnoxious  to  the 
Texas  government  that  President  Lamar  requested  his  recall  by  France,  which 
request  was  promptly  complied  with,  thus  abruptly  ending  M.  De  Saligny's 
career  as  minister  plenipotentiary  to  the  Republic  of  Texas,  and  the  negotia- 
tions for  the  French  loan,  at  one  and  the  same  time. 

On  the  second  Monday  of  December,  1841,  General  Sam  Houston  (having 
been  elected  President  in  the  September  previous),  was  inaugurated  —  that 
being  the  first  and  only  inaugural  of  a  President  of  the  Republic  that  ever 
occurred  in  Austin.  In  the  following  spring  the  Mexicans  invaded  Texas, 
sacking  the  town  of  San  Antonio,  and  causing  such  widespread  alarm  as  to  de- 
cide the  government  administration  upon  seeking  a  safer  habitat  —  the  princi- 
pal archives,  except  those  belonging  to  the  General  Land  Office,  being  removed 
to  Houston.  These  latter  the  citizens  of  Austin  determined  to  retain,  in  order 
to  secure  to  the  city  at  least  a  portion  of  the  general  government.  Several  at- 
tempts were  made  by  the  administration  to  recover  possession  of  these  archives, 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  15 


but  Austin  pluckily  held  on  to  them,  notwithstanding  its  people  had  their 
hands  full  in  guarding  the  city  from  the  attacks  of  the  savages,  and  in  render- 
ing assistance  to  repel  the  Mexican  invaders  of  the  State.  They  had  invested 
nearly  a  million  of  dollars  in  the  city  on  the  strength  of  its  being  the  perma- 
nent Capital  of  the  Republic,  and,  when  the  strong  arm  of  the  government 
was  with  unseemly  haste  withdrawn  from  their  support,  they  manfully  deter- 
mined to  protect  themselves  and  the  city,  and  at  the  same  time  preserve  to 
Austin  its  title  as  the  Capital  by  keeping  within  its  confines  one  of  the  princi- 
pal departments  of  the  general  government.  They  proved  themselves  fully 
equal  for  the  trying  emergencies,  and  but  for  their  courage  and  resoluteness 
the  great  State  of  Texas  would  in  all  probability  have  been  virtually  deprived 
of  its  beautiful  Capital  City  of  to-day. 

In  the  fall  of  1844,  Anson  Jones  was  elected  President  of  the  Republic,  a 
complete  change  of  government  followed  his  inauguration.  Congress  adopted 
measures  for  the  annexation  of  Texas  to  the  United  States,  and  pursuant  to  the 
President's  call,  the  convention  to  frame  a  State  Constitution,  assembled  at 
Austin,  July  4,  1845,  the  citizens  having  proposed,  if  the  convention  was 
called,  to  assemble  at  Austin,  to  turn  over  the  land  office  archives  and  abide  by 
whatever  decision  was  rendered  in  regard  to  the  matter.  The  convention 
recognized  Austin  as  the  seat  of  government  until  1850,  in  which  year,  by  a 
provision  in  the  State  constitution  adopted,  an  election  was  to  be  held  for  the 
purpose  of  locating  the  capital  for  twenty  years.  An  election  was  accordingly 
held  on  the  first  Monday  in  March,  1850,  the  result  being  in  favor  of  Austin, 
although  Washington,  Huntsville  and  Tehuacana  were  its  rivals  for  the  honor. 
At  the  expiration  of  twenty  years  the  city  was  declared  the  permanent  capital 
of  the  State  by  an  overwhelming  popular  vote.  From  the  time  of  the  annex- 
ation of  Texas  as  a  member  of  the  Union,  Austin  continued  to  grow  and 
improve  in  a  very  substantial  manner.  A  complete  check  to  its  prosperity  was 
occasioned,  however,  by  the  breaking  out  of  the  war,  and  in  common  with  all 
other  parts  of  the  South,  the  city  sacrificed  many  valuable  lives,  as  well  as  con- 
siderable wealth  in  the  struggle.  After  the  close  of  that  period  there  was  no 
material  progress  made  by  that  city,  until  it  became  fixed  upon  as  a  railway 
terminus.  That  event  gave  an  impetus  to  business  of  every  description,  the 
effect  of  which  is  to  be  seen  in  the  magnificent  development  of  to-day.  True, 
there  has,  in  the  meantime,  been  serious  drawbacks  to  the  progress  of  its  com- 
mercial interests,  due  to  the  fact  that  at  the  period  when  the  tendency  in  that 
direction  first  was  greatest,  the  city  was  governed  by  an  administration  of  the 
moss-back  description,  which  hung  like  a  mill-stone  about  the  neck  of  the  city, 
preventing  its  rise  in  response  to  the  repeated  calls  of  capital  eagerly  seeking 
to  develop  its  many  commercial  advantages.  With  the  inauguration  of  a  new 
city  government  some  five  years  ago,  however,  business  at  once  revived,  and 


16  AUSTIN — HER 


enterprise  and  progress  being  warmly  welcomed  to  the  city,  has  since  made 
wonderful  strides  in  establishing  Austin's  commercial  prosperity  upon  a  broad 
and  substantial  foundation.  The  enthusiastic  predictions  of  the  commission- 
ers who  located  Austin,  concerning  its  future  as  a  great  emporium  of  trade  and 
traffic,  are  being  literally  verified,  even  now,  and  there  is  no  question  that  its 
commercial  importance  will  be  many  times  greater  when  the  first  period  of 
fifty  years  of  its  existence  expires. 

Having  thus  briefly  traced  the  rise  of  Austin  from  a  mere  hamlet  com- 
posed of  but  three  families,  and  situated  on  the  extreme  frontier  of  the  crude 
civilization  of  forty  years  ago,  to  the  present  time,  wherein  it  is  a  flourishing 
city  of  about  18,000  inhabitants,  and  the  capital  seat  of  by  all  odds  the  greatest 
State  of  the  Union,  let  us  now  look  at  its  innumerable  advantages  and 
vast  resources  for  becoming  one  of  the  most 

PROMINENT    CENTERS 

of  trade,  commerce  and  manufactures  in  Texas. 

Travis  County,  of  which  Austin  is  the  county  seat,  was  named  in  honor  of 
William  Barret  Travis,  who  fell  in  the  cause  of  Texan  independence,  while 
commanding  the  historic  little  garrison  that  fought  to  the  death  against  the 
overwhelming  hordes  of  blood-thirsty  Mexicans,  which  beseiged  the  doomed 
Alamo  in  1836. 

The  area  of  the  county  is  1,019  square  miles,  and,  owing  to  the  diversity 
of  its  topography,  soil  and  other  characteristics,  it  is  well  adapted  to  the  prof- 
itable pursuit  of  a  great  variety  of  industries.  It  combines,  in  fact,  many 
of  the  distinctive  features  which  separately  characterize  several  sections  of  the 
State.  From  the  heavily  timbered  hills,  in  some  places  assuming  the  propor- 
tion of  mountains,  in  the  Western  portion,  the  surface  slopes  down  to  the  rich 
alluvial  bottoms  of  the  Colorado  river  and  the  rolling  prairies  in  the  Eastern 
section.  The  cotton,  grain  and  fruit  producing  lands  lie  side  by  side,  and,  in 
consequence,  the  landscape  presents  a  pleasing  diversity  of  aspect,  and  the 
products  of  the  soil  an  unusual  and  profitable  variety.  The  Colorado  river 
flows  through  the  county  from  West  to  East,  in  a  somewhat  Southerly  course. 
It  ranks  first  among  the  rivers  of  the  State  in  size,  but,  owing  to  the  shoals 
and  falls  in  its  channel,  is  not  navigable.  (In  1846  or  1847  a  steamboat  made 
the  trip  to  Austin,  and  a  regular  navigation  company  was  organized  to  clean 
out  the  river.  In  1851  another  steamer  made  her  appearance  at  Austin,  and 
was  expected  to  make  regular  trips.  The  Board  of  Aldermen  passed  an 
ordinance  establishing  a  regular  landing,  regulating  wharfage  and  fees  of 
wharf  master,  etc.  That  was  the  last  trip  of  the  "  Colorado  Ranger,"  or  any 
other  steamboat  to  Austin.  It  is  predicted,  however,  that  the  Colorado  river 
will  yet  be  regularly  navigated  to  Austin.)  Along  its  banks  are  some  of  the 
most  fertile  and  beautiful  farms  in  the  State,  and  also  the  most  picturesque 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  17 

scenery.  It  pursues  a  zig-zag  course  across  the  county,  thereby  watering  a 
large  area,  while  the  Perdernales  river,  in  the  Western  corner,  with  a  number 
of  smaller  streams  flowing  into  the  Colorado  on  either  side,  further  increase 
the  water  resources  of  the  county. 

Water  for  drinking  purposes  is  obtained  from  wells  at  moderate  depth, 
but  it  is  generally  more  or  less  impregnated  with  lime,  in  consequence  of 
which  cistern  water  is  preferred,  and  very  generally  used. 

The  county,  in  addition  to  being  well  watered,  possesses  the  scarcely  less 
valuable  condition  of  being  abundantly  timbered.  About  four-fifths  of  the 
area  is  more  or  less  densely  covered  by  a  growth  comprising  almost  every 
species  of  tree  known  to  Texas,  except  the  pine  and  sweet  gum,  which  indeed 
are  rarely  to  be  found  elsewhere  than  in  the  Eastern  and  Southeastern  portions 
of  the  State.  The  hills  and  uplands  abound  in  cedar  and  oak  of  the  several 
kinds,  while  the  bottoms  and  rolling  lands  are  studded  with  the  pecan, 
hickory,  ash,  walnut,  elm,  cypress,  hackberry,  bois  d'  arc,  mesquite  and  cot- 
tonwood.  Many  of  these  woods  possess  qualities  of  hardness  and  durability 
which  make  them  valuable  for  building,  mechanical  and  manufacturing  pur- 
poses. 

The  good  farming  lands  embrace  about  five-eights  of  the  area,  one-fifth 
of  which  is  under  cultivation,  the  remainder  being  devoted  to  grazing,  or  still 
undisturbed  forest  land. 

Under  proper  cultivation,  the  average  yield  per  acre  is  of  seed  cotton,  800 
to  1,000  pounds;  corn,  30  bushels;  wheat,  16  bushels;  oats,  50  to  75  bushels; 
rye,  15  bushels;  barley,  45  to  60  bushels;  sweet  potatoes,  200  bushels;  Irish 
potatoes,  90  bushels ;  sorghum  syrup,  3  barrels ;  millet,  3  tons ;  and  prairie 
hay,  1  ton.  Garden  vegetables,  melons,  fruits  and  berries  of  almost  every  kind 
common  to  the  temperate  zone  do  well.  Apples,  however,  have  never  been 
successfully  raised,  but  peaches,  plums  and  figs  are  particularly  fine  and  plen- 
tiful. 

Agricultural  implements  of  the  latest  and  most  improved  patterns  are  in 
general  use,  and  the  adaptation  of  the  crop  to  the  soil  and  climate  is  receiving 
increased  attention.  Indeed,  all  thing  considered,  the  methods  of  agriculture 
in  the  County  of  Travis  may  be  said  to  be  as  intelligent  and  progressive  as  in 
any  portion  of  the  South.  While  it  is  true  that  the  native  Southern  farmer  is 
still  inclined  to  devote  himself  rather  too  exclusively  to  cotton  culture,  leaving 
experimental  farming  to  others,  the  immigrant  brings  with  him  predilections 
quite  as  strong  in  favor  of  the  staple  products  of  the  land  of  his  birth.  Thus 
many  crops  which  tradition  has  declared  unsuited  to  the  soil  and  climate,  have 
been  introduced  and  are  now  successfully  cultivated.  Barley  may  be  men- 
tioned as  an  instance  of  this  progress.  The  abundance  and  certainty  of  its 
yield  have  commended  it  as  a  valuable  addition  to  the  stock-feed  products,  if 


18  AUSTIN — HER 


not  in  large  measure  as  a  substitute  for  corn,  which  is  not  regarded  as  an  alto- 
gether reliable  crop  in  this  section,  owing  to  an  occasional  absence  of  plentiful 
rainfall  during  its  short  critical  maturing  season. 
Considerable  attention  is  paid  to 

STOCK    RAISING 

in  the  country,  either  as  a  separate  pursuit,  or  in  connection  with  farming.  A 
large  part  of  the  area  not  enclosed  for  farm  purposes  is  carpeted  with  a  luxu- 
riant growth  of  mesquite  grass,  the  most  nutritious  of  the  native  grasses  of 
the  State.  There  is  also  the  Colorado  bottom  grass,  which  springs  up  in  the 
cultivated  fields  in  the  river  bottoms,  and  for  hay  is  considered  almost  equal  to 
oats.  Two  crops  a  year  are  grown,  about  three  and  a  half  tons  to  the  acre. 
Cattle,  horses,  mules  and  goats  are  raised  on  the  range  at  small  expense, 
requiring  but  little  care  or  attention.  Sheep  also  are  kept  for  the  most  part  of 
the  year  on  the  range,  but  during  the  winter  it  is  essential  to  give  them  more 
or  less  feed,  especially  in  inclement  weather.  With  reasonable  care,  they  keep 
in  good  condition,  are  subject  to  no  disease,  increase  at  the  rate  of  sixty  per 
cent.,  and  yield  a  fleece  of  four  to  six  pounds  per  annum,  worth  in  Austin,  the 
home  market,  twenty-five  cents  per  pound.  Hogs  require  attention  and  some 
feed  throughout  the  year,  otherwise  they  are  not  successfully  raised  on  the 
range.  Domestic  fowls  of  all  kinds  are  profitably  raised,  and  wild  game,  such 
as  deer,  turkeys,  geese,  ducks,  quail,  plover  and  rabbits,  is  abundant.  The 
larger  streams  in  the  country  also  yield  a  good  supply  of  fish,  the  trout  and 
perch  being  particularly  fine,  though  not  as  plentiful  as  catfish,  buffalo,  fresh 
wrater  mullet  and  some  other  less  dainty  species  of  the  finny  tribe. 

Such,  in  brief,  are  the  general  features,  from  an  agricultural  standpoint,  of 
the  immediate  country  surrounding  Austin,  and  that  they  are  of  an  unusually 
attractive  order  none  will  deny.  It  must  also  be  borne  in  mind  that  Austin 
is  the  natural  distributing  market  for  the  surplus  agricultural  products  of  a 
vast  scope  of  territory  contiguous  to  Travis  County,  and  which  also  is  unsur- 
passed for  productiveness  and  diversified  yield  by  any  section  of  the  State. 

WATER    POWER. 

Nature  appears  to  have  especially  designed  the  site  of  Austin  for  manu- 
facturing purposes,  judging  by  the  magnificent  water  power  it  possesses.  .Just 
above  the  city  there  is  a  fall  of  ten  and  a  half  feet  in  the  Colorado  river, 
which,  according  to  competent  judges  who  have  made  a  critical  examination  of 
its  character  and  the  volume  of  water  rushing  over  the  descent,  affords  abun- 
dant power  for  propelling  the  machinery  of  a  vast  number  of  manufacturing 
industries.  But  a  very  small  percentage  of  this  power,  has  thus  far  been  util- 
ized— one  flouring  mill  being  operated  by  it,  which  though  not  by  any  means 
an  enterprise  remarkable  for  its  extensiveness,  has  nevertheless  proved  a 
highly  profitable  investment  to  its  owners,  and  is  an  ample  demonstration  of 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  19 

what  other  manufacturers  can  do.  And  unquestionably  this  grand  water 
power  will  be  utilized  to  its  utmost  limit  by  manufacturing  capital  in  a  very 
short  period  of  time,  now  that  its  advantages  are  known  to  have  been  thor- 
oughly tested  by  practical  men,  and  the  rapid  development  of  the  city  since 
its  acquirement  of  the  many  essential  artificial  facilities,  makes  it  a  field  so 
especially  inviting  to  that  class  of  industries  which  relies  chiefly  upon  cheap 
motive  power  for  success. 

COAL. 

The  abundant  timber  growth  in  the  vicinity  of  Austin  insures  the  city  an 
ample  fuel  supply  for  ordinary  purposes  for  many  years  to  come,  and  at  cheap 
rates.  But  for  generating  steam  and  the  various  manufacturing  purposes,  it  is 
absolutely  necessary  for  an  abundant  supply  of  coal  to  be  available  to  a  city, 
and  a  supply  too,  that  is  of  a  superior  quality  and  low-priced.  It  has  been  the 
lack  of  this  most  essential  commodity  and  its  immense  cost,  that  has  so 
retarded  the  growth  of  manufacturing  industries  in  Texas.  This  serious 
obstruction,  however,  is  now  rapidly  being  removed  by  the  development  of  the 
coal  measures  of  the  State,  which  scientific  explorations  have  demonstrated  to 
be  so  vast  in  quantity,  excellent  in  quality,  and  so  available  to  every  section  of 
the  State,  that  there  is  no  longer  a  question  of  doubt  as  to  the  ability  of  Texas 
to  furnish  all  the  coal  necessary  for  its  own  wants — manufacturing  or  other- 
wise— but  to  produce  a  large  surplus  each  year  for  export. 

Austin  is  peculiarly  fortunate  in  having  an  inexhaustible  supply  located 
just  without  its  gateways,  in  what  is  known  as  the 

ROCKDALE    COAL   MINES. 

The  extensive  coal  field,  owned  and  operated  by  the  Austin  and  Central 
Texas  Coal  Company,  is  situated  on  the  International  and  Great  Northern  Rail- 
way, in  Milan  County,  only  61  miles  from  the  city.  The  first  vein  occurs  40 
feet  below  the  surface,  and  is  six  feet  thick.  Another  vein,  twelve  inches  in 
thickness,  is  found  31  feet  below  the  first  vein,  the  seams  being  interstratified 
with  one  foot  of  excellent  fire-clay,  13  feet  of  sand,  one  foot  of  augite  and  15 
feet  of  clay.  At  a  further  depth  of  6  feet  of  clay  occurs  a  third  seam  of  coal, 
7  feet  6  inches  thick,  overlying  a  very  superior  bed  of  fire-clay,  beneath  which 
explorations  have  not  gone.  These  mines  have  been  defined  as  covering  an 
area  of  250  acres  in  extent,  without  making  a  single  break,  and  the  interlying 
formations  so  far  as  reached,  indicates  a  large  number  of  seams  before  strik- 
ing the  bottom  rocks,  commonly  known  as  mill-stone  grit ;  thus  justifying  the 
opinion  that  the  Rockdale  coal  beds  are  for  all  practical  purposes  simply 
exhaustless.  The  coal  is  bituminous,  of  the  canne^variety,  ignites  easily,  burns 
with  a  very  bright  flame  and  has  a  specific  gravity  of  1.33.  An  analysis  made 
by  Professor  Dinwiddle,  shows  the  following  to  be  its  component  properties : 
Ash,  6,565 ;  sulpher,  2,880 ;  hydro-carbon,  nitrogen,  and  oxygen  gasses,  90,555. 


20  AUSTIN — HER 


The  Professor,  in  reporting  this  showing,  says :  "  This  result  is  reliable  and 
makes  the  coal  very  valuable,  and  destined  to  soon  come  into  active  demand 
in  Texas.  I  am  sure  it  will  make  a  cheap  and  good  gas." 

The  closing  assertion  of  the  Professor,  as  to  its  gas  producing  qualities,  is 
fully  sustained  by  the  following  comparative  test,  reported  by  Mr.  C.  M. 
Holmes,  Superintendent  of  the  Austin  Gas  Works :  "  After  a  careful  test  of 
your  coal  as  to  the  quantities  of  gases  it  contains,  I  find  it  to  compare  with 
other  coals  as  follows,  in  feet  of  gas  obtained  from  a  pound  of  coal :  Rock- 
dale,  .650  ;  McAllister,  (Indian  Territory)  4.50  ;  Pittsburg,  4.10.  The  residual 
products  in  the  Rockdale  coal  are  comparatively  worthless." 

Upon  this  basis  the  following  comparison  in  the  relative  values  for  the 
manufacture  of  gas  of  the  Rockdale  and  McAllister  coals  speaks  for  itself: 

ROCKDALE. 

2,000  Ibs.  coal  yield  13,000  feet  of  gas,  at  $4.00 $52.00 

Coke 

Tar 

Deduct  cost  of  coal 5.00 

Net  value $47.00 

MCALLISTER. 

2,000  Ibs.  coal  yield  9,000  feet  of  gas,  at  $4.00 $36.00 

Coke,  f  ton,  at  $8.50 5.66 

Tar,  36  gallons  at  12jc 4.50 


Total $46.16 

Deduct  $7.50,  cost  of  coal,  and  there  remains  a  balance  of  $8.34  in  favor 
of  the  home  product  at  Rockdale,  which  fact  alone  is  sufficient  to  commend 
it  to  Superintendents  of  Texas  gas  works  and  other  manufacturers  as  well. 

The  opening  up  of  these  magnificent  deposits  of  light  and  heat,  that 
have  been  slumbering  in  the  bosom  of  the  earth  for  untold  centuries  cannot 
fail  of  adding  materially  to  the  future  resources  of  the  State,  while  the  influ- 
ence therefrom  bearing  directly  upon  the  prosperity  of  this  city  is  so  obvious 
as  to  make  further  comment  superfluous. 

With  the  coal  interests  of  Texas  fully  developed,  we  will  see  manufactur- 
ing interests  of  every  kind  and  character  springing  up  throughout  the  State. 
Particularly  will  this  be  the  case  in  the  matter  of 

IRON, 

the  ore  of  which  exists  in  inexhaustible  quantities  and  at  so  many  different 
points  as  to  make  not  alone  the  numerous  particular  sections  in  which  it 
abounds,  but  the  entire  State,  feel  a  keen  interest  in  the  development  of  this 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  21 


latent  resource  which,  like  a  sleeping  giant,  now  is  to  arouse  up  in  the  not 
distant  future  and  wield  its  mighty  power  in  promoting  the  prosperity  of 
Texas.  There  is  iron  ore,  pronounced  by  such  competent  and  learned 
scientists  as  Dr.  Shumard,  formerly  State  Geologist,  the  late  Professor  Boll,  of 
Dallas,  and  several  other  well  known  authorities,  as  being  identical  with  the 
renowned  gray  ore  of  England  and  Wales,  in  this  State  alone,  sufficient  to 
supply  the  United  States  for  generations,  for  every  purpose  for  which  iron  and 
steel  may  be  needed.  With  the  erection  of  an  adequate  number  of  furnaces, 
rolling  mills  and  foundries  in  Texas  (as  there  will  be  in  a  very  little  while), 
the  railroads  already  built  in  our  State,  and  those  yet  to  be  built,  will  be  able 
to  have  supplied  them  all  the  iron  and  steel  rails  they  may  need,  all  the  bolts, 
fish  plates,  wheels,  axles  and  ironing  for  their  cars,  made  on  the  spot  from  the 
raw  material  produced  in  Texas,  thus  saving  the  immense  costs  of  transpor- 
tation they  now  have  to  pay  ;  the  farmer  will  have  manufactured  at  his  very 
doors,  as  it  were,  every  description  of  farming  machinery  and  implements  he 
may  require,  and,  in  short,  every  knowrn  article  fashioned  out  of  iron  or  steel 
and  which  (except  to  a  very  limited  extent)  we  are  now  compelled  to  import, 
will  be  manufactured  in  the  State  of  Texas  out  of  the  ore  produced  by  Texas. 
Reference  to  any  comprehensive  work  on  the  mineral  resources  of  the  State, 
will  show  that  every  county  in  which  coal  has  been  found  also  abounds  in 
iron,  for  it  seems  to  be  an  invariable  fact  that  wherever,  in  the  alembic  of 
nature,  one  of  the  minerals  has  been  formed,  the  other  is  close  by.  Vulcan 
and  his  forge  would  be  useless  without  proper  fuel,  which  alone  is  coal,  and 
a  beneficent  nature  rarely,  if  ever,  gives  iron  ore  without  coal.  Extensive 
deposits  of  iron  ore  are  known  to  exist  in  the  vicinity  of  Austin,  and  now  that 
the  development  of  the  coal  formations  in  this  section  have  actively  com- 
menced, the  development  of  the  iron  will  naturally  follow,  and  there  is  good 
reasons  to  believe  it  will  not  long  be  delayed.  Enterprising  capital  is  con- 
tinually on  the  alert  in  this  ever  restless  pushing  country  of  ours,  and  the 
opportunity  for  profitable  investment  does  not  long  remain  without  a  claimant. 
And  as  an  evidence  of  the  favorable  opportunities  which  await  iron  manu- 
facturing capital  in  Austin,  it  is  only  necessary  to  direct  the  readers'  attention 
to  the  immense  iron  ore  deposits  of  Llano  county.  About  12  miles  from  the 
town  of  Llano,  there  is  a  massive  iron  hill  30  feet  high  above  its  visible  base, 
800  feet  long  and  500  feet  wide,  and  300  feet  above  the  surface  of  the  Llano 
river  at  low  water  mark.  It  is  a  solid  compact  mass  of  iron  ore  which  has 
been  tested  and  found  to  yield  70  per  cent,  of  pure  iron  (some  specimens  have 
assayed  as  high  as  95  per  cent.),  whereas  50  per  cent,  is  considered  an  excellent 
yield  in  the  Pennsylvania  mines ;  and,  inoreover,  this  ore  from  the  iron 
mountain  of  Llano  county  is  identical  with  the  best  quality  of  Swedish  iron. 
Immense  blocks  of  iron  ore  are  scattered  profusely  around  the  base  of  the 


22  AUSTIN — HER 


hill ;  and  not  only  are  timber  and  good  water  plentiful  about  it,  but  limestone 
rocks  of  the  paleozoic  and  cretaceous  descriptions  exist  in  abundance. 

Eight  miles  distant  to  the  northwest  is  a  large  bed  of  magnetic  iron  ore, 
situated  between  two  ridges  of  granite.  The  untold  thousands  of  tons  of  iron 
in  this  region  are  only  about  80  miles  from  the  City  of  Austin,  and  they  will 
soon  be  placed  at  our  very  doors,  as  it  were,  by  the  extension  (now  in  progress) 
of  the  Austin  &  Northwestern  railway,  from  its  present  terminus  at  Burnet, 
60  miles  distant  from  Austin.  Vast  beds  of  iron  ore  also  exist  in  San  Saba 
County,  90  miles  northwest  of  Austin,  and  on  the  projected  line  of  the  same 
railway  just  mentioned. 

Possessed  of  such  rare  advantages,  can  anyone  doubt  that  Austin  will 
eventually  become  a  great  iron  manufacturing  point  ? 

It  is  also  interesting  to  note  that  the  city  has  an  abundance  of 

COPPER 

at  its  control.  Llano  County,  where  iron  ore  is  plentiful,  is  equally  as  prolific 
in  copper  ore.  Prof.  Steeruwitz  says :  "  I  found  near  the  surface  copper  ores 
— peacock  ore,  blue  and  green  carbonate — assaying  56  per  cent,  of  copper, 
besides  87  ounces  of  silver  to  the  ton,  and  strong  traces  of  gold,  and  outcrops 
of  gray  copper  ore,  with  627  ounces  of  silver  to  the  ton ;  and  I  traced  this 
copper  belt  from  the  northern  part  of  Llano  County  through  Burnet,  Mason 
and  Menard  Counties."  "  Owens'  mine,"  at  the  head  of  Pecan  Creek,  in  Llano 
County,  is  now  worked  with  improved  machinery,  and  the  ore  being  taken  out 
assays  $300  worth  of  pure  copper  to  the  ton. 

SILVER    BEARING    LEAD   ORES, 

mostly  galena,  also  crop  out  in  Llano  County  and  can  be  easily  traced  to  San 
Saba  and  Burnet  Counties,  in  which  latter  county,  near  Bluffton,  old  Spanish 
shafts  and  tunnels  still  exist. 

BUILDING   STONE, 

of  every  description  exists  in  abundance  throughout  the  State — the  marbles, 
limestones,  and  gray  and  red  granites  being  unexcelled  in  qualities  by  any  of 
the  famed  productions  of  the  world,  as  may  be  readily  demonstrated  by  the 
specimens  used  in  the  construction  of  the  magnificent  capitol  building  now  in 
course  of  erection  at  Austin,  the  material  for  which  is  obtained  from  quarries 
almost  within  sight  of  the  capital  city.  Layers  of 

MARBLE, 

of  different  colors,  and  rare  and  beautiful  varieties  are  found  in  extensive  f  >r- 
mations  along  the  Colorado  River.  Of  the  specimens  contributed  by  this  sec- 
tion to  the  collection  gathered  by  the  agent  of  the  United  States  Census  Bu- 
reau, the  agent  in  charge  says :  "  We  consider  them  very  beautiful,  and  have 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  23 

dressed  them  with  much  care.  They  are  mineralogically  interesting,  and  dif- 
ferent from  any  other  marble  in  our  collection."  At  what  is  known  as 
Marble  Falls,  in  Burnet  County,  the  Colorado  River  makes  an  abrupt  descent 
of  about  100  feet  over  a  solid  bed  of  marble.  The  deposit  along  this  stream 
varies  in  tint  from  the  purest  white  to  jet  black,  and  is  highly  valuable  for 
building  purposes,  ornamental  or  statuary  work.  The  mountains  in  Llano 
County,  in  many  places,  are  composed  of 

SOLID    GRANITE. 

Burnet  County  is  also  prolific  in  gray  and  red  granites,  the  latter  believed 
to  be  identical  with  the  celebrated  Scotch  granite.  Blanco  County,  too,  abounds 
in  granite  and  marble.  These  vast  deposits  of  marble,  granite  and  limestones, 
lying  the  counties  of  Blanco,  Burnet,  Llano  and  San  Saba,  are  within  a  radius 
of  from  50  to  100  miles  of  Austin,  and  the  city  is,  or  shortly  will  be,  in  direct 
communication  with  them  through  the  medium  of  the  Austin  &  Northwestern 
Railway.  That  the  working  of  marble  and  granite  will  become  a  large  and 
profitable  industry  in  the  city  in  the  near  future,  is,  in  fact,  assured  by  the  pro- 
gress already  made  in  that  direction  by  the  enterprising  spirits  engaged  in  lay- 
ing its  foundations. 

But  further  details  concerning  Austin's  advantages  by  reason  of  its  conti- 
guity to  the  raw  material  furnished  by  Nature's  mineral  storehouses,  is  unneces- 
sary, for  it  is  now  a  well  known  fact  that  the  mineral  resources  of  Texas  cannot 
be  surpassed  by  any  State  in  the  Union,  in  variety,  quantity  and  quality,  and 
it  is  equally  apparent,  from  its  geographical  location,  that  no  city  in  the  Lone 
Star  State  is  more  eligibly  situated  with  reference  to  easy  accessibility  to  these 
endless  mines  of  wealth  than  the  capital  city — Austin. 

TRANSPORTATION    FACILITIES. 

The  actual  progress  of  a  city,  no  matter  how  varied  and  extensive  its 
natural  advantages  may  be,  must  always  be  measured  by  the  character  and 
scope  of  its  transportation  facilities.  And  more  particularly  is  this  true  con- 
cerning a  city  without  widely  extending  navigable  water-ways  at  its  command. 
The  Colorado  River,  upon  which  the  city  of  Austin  is  located,  ranks  first 
among  the  rivers  of  the  State  in  size,  but,  unfortunately,  owing  to  the  shoals 
and  falls  in  its  channel  that  stream  is  not  navigable,  and  it  is  useless  to  attempt 
to  conceal  the  fact  that  to  make  it  so,  would  involve  such  an  enormous  expen- 
diture of  money,  that  in  all  probability  its  improvement  to  that  extent  will 
never  be  undertaken.  And,  furthermore,  however  desirable  such  an 
end  would  be  to  this  city,  it  could  scarcely  be  considered  the  part  of  wisdom 
to  do  so,  not  alone  for  reasons  quite  obvious  from  a  manufacturing  standpoint, 
but  in  view  of  the  far  more  efficient  method  for  transportation  at  our  command 
in  the  form  of 


24  AUSTIN — HER 


RAILROADS, 

and  the  wonderful  progress  science  is  continually  making  in  the  improvement 
of  their  standard.  That  they  are  infinitely  superior  to  all  other  carrier  sj^stems 
is  now  a  fact  too  well  established  to  be  controverted,  and  each  year  increases 
the  public  confidence  in  their  developing  influence  upon  the  world  at  large, 
and  in  no  section  of  it  so  particularly  as  in  America.  They  bring  immigra- 
tion to  a  new  country,  cause  new  towns  and  villages  to  spring  up ;  make  towns 
and  cities  already  in  existence  to  grow  and  increase  in  material  prosperity,  and 
give  a  stimulus  to  every  resource  of  the  land  through  which  they  pass.  They 
are,  in  the  highest  sense,  the  advance  guards  of  civilization,  and  they  foster 
and  encourage  not  only  civilization,  progress  and  development  themselves,  but 
create  a  corresponding  tendency  in  their  every  adjunct. 

The  claims  that  railroads  make  a  State,  in  so  far  as  concerns  Texas,  is  a 
matter  by  no  means  difficult  to  substantiate.  It  is  verified  at  once  by  the  mar- 
velous growth  of  railroading  itself  in  the  State  during  the  past  fifteen  years. 
At  the  close  of  the  war  in  1865,  there  was  less  than  300  miles  of  railroad,  and 
of  that  small  mileage,  but  little  outside  of  the  seventy  miles  operated  by  the 
Houston  and  Texas  Central,  between  Houston  and  Navasota,  and  the  fifty 
miles  belonging  to  the  Galveston,  Houston  and  Henderson  line,  was  of  any 
importance.  The  State,  in  common  with  all  the  Southern  States  at  that  period, 
being  financially  prostrated,  the  people  being  poor  and  having  to  commence  at 
the  bottom  once  more  to  find  a  comfortable  living,  and  immigration  being 
only  a  thing  in  name,  there  was  little  or  no  encouragement  for  railroad  enter- 
prises, and  less  capital  for  investment  in  them.  Still,  the  roads  then  in  the 
State  were  not  disheartened,  and  though  their  progress  was  naturally  quite 
slow,  at  the  close  of  the  first  five  years  after  the  war  we  had  about  500  miles 
of  railway  lines,  the  whole  of  which  was  in  very  excellent  running  condition. 
In  1870  the  railroad  boom  struck  the  State  fairly  and  squarely,  and,  as  a  re- 
sult, in  the  extent  of  railroad  mileage,  Texas  to-day  ranks  as  Sixth  among  the 
States,  with  over  6,000  miles,  increased  from  865  miles  in  1871.  What  its 
rank  will  be  ten  years  hence  may  be  surmised  from  the  following  comparison 
of  railroad  growth  in  the  six  States  having  the  greatest  mileage  at  this  date, 
during  the  past  fourteen  years : 


<sT  A  Tire 

MILKS  OF 

HAIL,I«)A1>. 

1871. 

1884. 

Illinois  

5901 

9068 

New  York  .                  ... 

I  74" 

7,369 

Pennsylvania  

3,740 

7,488 

Ohio  

4,476 

7,322 

Iowa  

3  160 

7,495 

Texas.  . 

STw 

6,147 

TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  25 

Austin  was  one  of  the  first  important  points  in  the  State  to  feel  the  bene- 
ficial effects  of  the  railroad  boom,  and,  literally  speaking,  whatever  progress  it 
has  made  since  then,  and  its  present  bright  prospects,  are  due  solely  to  its  rail- 
way connections,  which  places  it  in  direct  communication  with  every  section 
of  the  State,  and  makes  it  readily  accessible  by  through  lines  from  any  point 
in  the  Union. 

The  pioneer  road  to  enter  the  Capital  City,  was  the 

HOUSTON   AND   TEXAS   CENTRAL, 

in  1871,  which  in  December  of  that  year  completed  its  branch,  then  called  the 
"Austin  Air  Line  Branch,"  extending  from  Hempstead,  115  miles  east  of  Aus- 
tin, on  the  main  stem  of  the  H.  &  T.  C.,  but  now  known  as  the 

WESTERN    DIVISION 

of  that  road.  By  this  line  of  railway,  Austin  is  placed  within  166  miles  of 
Houston,  and  216  miles  of  the  gulf  port  of  Galveston.  The  Houston  &  Texas 
Central  is  the  oldest  railway  system  in  the  State,  having  been  chartered  March 
11,  1848,  and  as  its  name  indicates,  the  road  traverses  the  very  heart  of  Texas, 
the  trunk  line  extending  north  from  Houston  on  the  gulf  coast,  to  Denison  on 
the  Red  River  slopes,  a  distance  of  338  miles,  while  through  its  extensive 
branches,  and  the  numerous  other  lines  with  which  it  makes  close  connection, 
it  penetrates  every  portion  of  the  State,  making  it  upon  the  whole,  one  of  the 
important  trunk  railways  in  the  entire  country.  The  total  mileage  operated 
by  the  system  is  as  follows : 

Main  Line  (Houston  to  Denison) 338  miles. 

Western  Division  (Hempstead  to  Austin) 115      " 

Northwestern  Division  (Bremond  to  Albany) 221      " 

Northeastern  Division  (Garrett  to  Roberts) 52      " 

Waxahachie  Division  (Garrett  to  Waxahachie) 12      " 

Total  mileage 738  miles. 

The  Missouri  Pacific  connections  and  the  northwestern  division  feeds  it 
with  cattle  shipped  to  the  gulf,  but  the  western  division  has  the  greatest  cotton 
tonnage  of  all,  as  it  passes  through  the  -wealthy  and  populous  farming  region, 
embracing  the  Colorado  and  Brazos  River  Valleys. 

INTERNATIONAL   &   GREAT   NORTHERN   RAILWAY. 

The  International  &  Great  Northern  Railway  entered  Austin  January  1, 
1877,  and  as  an  energetic  and  enterprising  competitor  for  its  passenger  and 
freight  traffic,  has  proved  a  valuable  adjunct  in  the  development  of  the  city. 

This  road — which  constitutes  one  of  the  most  important  factors  in  the 
great  Missouri — Pacific  trunk  system — was  created  by  the  consolidation,  Sept. 
22,*1873,  of  the  International,  chartered  August  17, 1870,  and  opened  to  Long- 


26  AUSTIN — HER 


view,  distant  from  Houston  232  miles,  and  81  miles  from  Palestine,  in  Decem- 
ber 1872,  and  the  Houston  &  Great  Northern,  chartered  October  22,  1866,  and 
opened  to  Palestine,  151  miles  distant  from  Houston,  in  1872.  Longview  is  the 
terminus  of  the  main  line,  which,  since  the  Galveston,  Houston  &  Henderson 
Railway  came  under  control  of  the  Missouri-Pacific  system,  has  been  termed 
the  Gulf  Division. 

The  old  line  chartered  as  the  Houston,  Tap  &  Brazoria  Railway,  Sept.  1, 
1856,  and  completed  in  1860,  was  purchased  by  the  Houston  &  Great  Northern 
Company  in  1871,  and  of  course  now  forms  a  part  of  the  consolidation  of  the 
International  &  Great  Northern,  and  consequently  is  also  embraced  in  the 
Missouri-Pacific  system.  This  road  pierces  the  great  sugar  district  of  Texas, 
extending  from  Houston  to  Columbia,  a  distance  of  50  miles,  and  is  an  important 
feeder  to  the  commerce  of  the  entire  State. 

The  International  &  Great  Northern  now  operates  825  miles  of  road  (all  of 
which  lies  within  the  State),  as  follows : 

Main  Line — Long  view  to  Galveston 282  miles. 

Henderson  Branch — Overton  to  Henderson 16      " 

Mineola          "       — Troupe  to  Mineola 44      " 

San  Antonio  Division — Palestine  to  Laredo 415      " 

Georgetown  Branch — Round  Rock  to  Georgetown 10      " 

Huntsville  -Phelps  to  Huntsville 8      " 

Columbia          "      — Houston  to  Columbia 50      " 

Total 825  miles. 

The  San  Antonio  division  passes  directly  through  Austin  on  its  way  to 
Laredo,  on  the  Rio  Grande,  234  miles  distant,  where  it  connects  with  the 
Mexican  system  of  railways.  The  distance  of  San  Antonio  to  the  Capital  City 
is  80  miles,  and  while  this  division  of  the  road  enables  us  to  draw,  without 
limit,  upon  the  vast  wealth  of  that  region  prolific  in  agricultural  and  pastoral 
products,  it  also  brings  to  our  doors  the  multifarious  products  of  .the  eastern 
sections  of  the  State,  and  affords  one  of  the  most  exhaustive  outlets  for  our 
own  surplus  products.  In  fact,  through  this  division  of  the  International  & 
Great  Northern  Railway,  Austin  has  command  of  the  entire  6,045  miles  of 
railway  now  being  operated  by  the  system  known  as  the 

MISSOURI   PACIFIC   RAILWAY   COMPANY, 

and  which  embraces  the  Missouri  Pacific  Railway  proper;  St.  Louis,  Iron 
Mountain  &  Southern  Railway  ;  Missouri,  Kansas  &  Texas  Railway ;  Interna- 
tional &  Great  Northern  Railroad  ;  Galveston,  Houston  &  Henderson  Railroad  ; 
Texas  &  Pacific  Railway ;  Central  Branch  Union  Pacific  Railway,  and  Sedalia, 
Warsaw  &  Southern  Railroad.  The  ramifications  of  this  vast  system  of  rail- 
way lines  in  the  States  of  Texas,  Louisiana,  Arkansas,  Missouri,  Nebraska, 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  27 


Kansas  and  the  Indian  Territory,  are  of  the  most  important  as  well  as  exten- 
sive character,  and  the  advantages  derived  from  it  by  the  Capital  City  are 
incomparably  great. 

AUSTIN   &   NORTHWESTERN   RAILWAY. 

The  Austin  &  Northwestern  Railway,  which  is  now  being  rapidly  pushed 
in  the  direction  its  name  indicates,  is  destined  to  become  one  of  the  most 
important  of  Austin's  main  arteries  of  commerce,  as  it  cannot  fail  to  be  the 
means  of  largely  augmenting  the  general  trade  of  the  city,  by  opening  up  the 
wide  extent  of  fertile  and  growing  country  to  the  North  and  West.  Its  initial 
point  is  Austin,  and  it  may  well  be  called,  strictly  speaking,  a  Colorado  River 
railway,  as  it  clings  to  the  rich  shores  of  that  grand  stream  throughout  its 
entire  route  as  projected  thus  far.  The  line  as  surveyed,  traverses  the  counties 
of  Travis,  Williamson,  Burnet,  Lampasas,  Brown  and  Coleman,  in  the  order 
named,  crossing  the  Brushy  and  Gabriel  Rivers  on  its  route,  and  passes  through 
not  only  some  of  the  finest  agricultural  land  in  the  State,  but  its  way  lies 
through  a  region  of  untold  mineral  wealth. 

Coleman  County,  in  which  the  extreme  northwestern  point  to  which  the 
line  of  survey  has  reached  is  located,  lies  in  the  belt  of  country  west  of  a  line 
running  from  the  mouth  of  Little  Wichita,  on  the  Red  River,  to  the  mouth  of 
Pecan  Bayou,  on  the  Colorado  River,  which;  according  to  competent  geologists, 
discloses  unmistakable  indications  of  true  coal  formation,  and  also  of  the  best 
quality  of  iron  ore.  Brown  County  lies  in  the  same  geological  belt,  and  in 
addition  to  coal  and  iron,  contains  copper,  silver  and  lead,  and  also  petroleum 
in  large  quantities — two  wells  in  Brownwood  (the  county  seat)  at  a  depth  of 
from  90  to  120  feet,  yield  80  per  cent,  of  pure  oil. 

Lampasas  County  is  noted  for  its  numerous  white  sulphur  and  chalybeate 
springs,  the  waters  of  which  possess  valuable  medicinal  properties.  The  prin- 
cipal of  these,  the  Hanna  and  Hancock  Springs,  each  have  a  flow  of  1,000  gal- 
lons per  minute.  The  Lampasas  springs  are  not  only  patronized  to  a  very  great 
extent  by  invalids,  but  their  combined  natural  and  artificial  attractions  are  of 
such  a  character  as  to  make  them  extremely  popular  as  a  resort  at  all  seasons 
for  pleasure-seekers  and  tourists  generally.  The  general  elevation  is  about 
1,200  feet  above  the  sea  level,  and  from  the  tops  of  the  hills  near  at  hand  a 
beautiful  and  varied  panorama  of  valleys,  streams  and  fields  is  presented,  and 
much  of  the  mountain  scenery  is  picturesque  and  grand.  They  are  situated 
near  the  town^of  Lampasas,  the  county  seat,  and  are  65  miles  northwest  of  the 
Capital  City. 

Burnett  County  possesses  iron  ore,  and,  to  a  less  extent,  lead,  gold  and 
silver ;  but  its  most  prominent  features,  and  by  far  its  most  valuable,  from  a 
utilitarian  point  of  view,  are  its  immense  deposits  of  limestone  of  superior 
quality ;  its  gray  and  red  granites,  the  latter  identical  with  the  Scotch  granite  ; 


28  AUSTIN — HER 


and  its  vast  beds  of  marble,  varying  in  tint  from  pure  white  to  jet  black,  many 
of  the  shades  being  particularly  rare  and  beautiful.  These  granites  and  mar- 
bles are  pronounced  by  government  experts  at  Washington  City,  after  having 
subjected  specimens  to  scientific  tests,  to  be  equal  to  the  best  American  or 
imported  stone  of  the  kinds.  They  are  largely  used  in  the  Capital  building 
now  under  construction  in  our  city.  Burnet,  the  county  seat,  sixty  miles  dis- 
tant from  Austin,  is  the  present  terminus  of  the  Austin  and  Northwestern. 

In  Williamson  County  (the  county  next  adjoining  Travis  County  on  the 
line  of  the  Austin  and  Northwestern),  iron  ore,  silver  and  petroleum  are  known 
to  exist,  and  there  are  surface  indications  of  coal,  but  the  extent  of  the  depos- 
its have  not  yet  been  determined.  The  county  is  rapidly  becoming  noted  for 
its  valuable  wool  clip,  sheep-raising  now  being  conducted  upon  a  very  large 
scale,  particular  attention  being  paid  to  the  highest-improved  breeds.  The 
largest  single  clip  of  wool  from  one  sheep,  exhibited  at  the  International  Cot- 
ton Exposition  at  Atlanta,  Ga.,  in  1881 ,  was  the  fleece  of  a  Williamson  County 
sheep.  It  weighed  forty-four  pounds,  and  the  same  animal  yielded  for  five 
years  an  average  of  thirty-five  pounds  and  one  ounce  of  wool  per  annum. 
An  abundance  of  the  raw  material  right  in  the  adjoining  county,  at  once  sug- 
gests Austin  as  a  highly  advantageous  site  for  wool  manufacturing,  to  say 
nothing  of  its  contributions  to  the  commerce  of  our  city  now  that  the  Austin 
and  Northwestern  gives  the  wool-growers  of  that  community  a  direct  and 
speedy  transit  for  their  product  to  Austin's  market. 

The  counties  bordering  upon  those  through  which  the  main  line  of  the 
Austin  and  Northwestern  Railway  is  surveyed,  are  equally  noted  for  their 
abundant  and  varied  products,  and  as  rapidly  as  the  main  stem  is  extended, 
they  will  undoubtedly  be  made  more  directly  tributary  to  both  the  road  and 
Austin,  by  the  construction  of  branch  lines.  In  fact,  the  benefits  which  Aus- 
tin will  derive  from  this  line  of  railway  will  be  of  the  most  substantial  charac- 
ter, and  while  we  make  all  proper  allowance  for  any  exaggeration  of  the  extent 
of  the  future  benefits  that  the  present  highly  flattering  prospects  may  occasion, 
it  is  palpably  plain  that  the  intrinsic  value  of  the  Austin  and  Northwestern 
Railway  to  the  Capital  of  the  State  will  prove  far  greater  than  the  conserva- 
tive minded  who  put  their  entire  faith  in  the  road  now  anticipate. 

There  are  several  other  lines  of  railway  in  contemplation,  but  inasmuch 
as  they  have  not  yet  arrived  at  that  stage  of  maturity  that  warrants  their 
being  called  established  facts,  though  ultimately  they  will  become  such,  it  is 
unnecessary  to  consume  space  in  outlining  their  proposed  routes.  With  the 
three  well  equipped  railroads  already  in  active  operation — two  of  which  are 
great  trunk  lines  ramifying  every  section  of  the  State  and  affording  the  most 
thorough  systems  of  direct  communication  with  all  parts  of  the  Union — and 
the  city  being  the  center  of  an  extensive  territory,  the  trade  of  which  is  other- 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND    INDUSTRIES.  29 

wise  unprovided  for,  there  is  no  longer  a  question  for  doubt  that  Austin  has 
promising  and  perhaps  more  permanent  guarantees  of  commercial,  and  also 
manufacturing  greatness,  than  many  more  pretentious  and  demonstrative 
cities  in  Texas. 

COMMERCIAL     INTERESTS. 

Amid  the  many  other  and  more  engaging  attractions  peculiar  to  the 
Capital  of  the  State,  its  business  interests  have  never  been  accorded  the  promi- 
nent attention  of  the  public  to  which,  from  their  character  and  extent,  they 
seem  justly  entitled.  However,  this  apparent  indifference  has  in  no  wise 
deterred  the  march  of  progress,  and  through  the  quiet,  but  none  the  less  vig- 
orous, enterprise  of  our  merchants  the  city's  commercial  prosperity  is  being 
steadily  and  surely  advanced,  each  year  showing  a  marked  improvement  upon 
the  record  of  the  preceding  one,  and  determining  more  positively  the  future 
greatness  of  Austin  as  a  business  center.  A  fair  illustration  of  the  energetic 
spirit  controlling  in  the  business  circles,  is  to  be  seen  in  the  amount  of  freight 
handled  at  this  point  by  the  railways  entering  the  city.  During  the  season  of 
1883-84  the  amount  handled  was  placed  at  292,000,000  pounds,  or  146,000 
tons,  an  increase  of  about  10,000  tons  on  the  freight  operations  of  the  previ- 
ous fiscal  year,  while  this  season  it  is  estimated  the  aggregate  will  reach  fully 
160,000  tons,  if  the  total  tonnage  does  not  exceed  that  figure. 

Another  evidence  of  our  commercial  progress,  is  found  in  the  marked 
growth  of  the  city  as  a 

COTTON 

market.  For  the  season  ending  in  1882,  the  shipments  of  cotton  from  Austin 
were  placed  at  24,000  bales.  The  figures  put  down  for  the  past  season  fixes 
the  shipments  at  46,000  bales,  an  increase  of  over  90  per  cent,  in  two  years. 

To  the  close  observer  of  the  active  movements  of  our  cotton  men  of  late, 
sufficient  evidence  is  discovered  to  show  that  the  work  of  development  in  the 
proper  direction  has  actually  begun  and  that  the  outlook  of  this  principal 
factor  in  the  city's  ultimate  distinguished  position  among  the  royally  appointed 
commercial  centers  of  the  Western  hemisphere,  was  never  so  promising  as  at 
present.  Now  that  we  have  a  cotton  compress — that  mighty  and  indispensible 
adjunct  for  perfecting  the  facilities  for  handling  the  fleecy  staple  advantage- 
ously, it  is  safe  to  predict  that  the  Capital  City  is  entering  an  era  of  prosperity 
to  which  it  has  hitherto  been  a  stranger,  and  which  will  improve  under  the 
judicious  management  of  spirited  and  progressive  enterprise  to  a  degree 
unparalled  in  the  experience  of  Southern  cities. 

The 

COTTON   COMPRESS, 

of  which  we  speak,  and  to  which  must  be  largely  attributed  the  rapid  increase 
of  cotton  receipts  and  shipments  at  this  point,  has  a  capacity  of  600  bales  per 


30  AUSTIN — HER 


day.  The  company  operating  it  was  incorporated  in  1883,  with  a  capital  stock 
of  $50,000.  The  inauguration  of  this  most  valuable  commercial  enterprise, 
establishes  the  fact  that,  that  element  of  dash  long  underlying  the  business 
movements  of  the  city,  has  reached  the  surface,  and  upon  the  crested  wave  of 
progress  it  is  rolling  onward  to  the  haven  of  success.  The  controlling  power 
has  been  assumed  by  the  younger,  and  the  more  vigorous  business  men,  and 
"  old  fogyism,"  realizing  that  its  sway  has  virtually  ended,  will  speedily  disap- 
pear forver,  its  dismal  croakings  and  cadaverous  form  only  being  recalled  to 
memor}7-  to  more  forcibly  illustrate  to  future  generations  the  grand  results  of 
ambitious  life  ruled  by  advanced  progress.  Austin's  future  is  in  safe  hands — 
hands  strong  and  willing,  and  impelled  to  constant  doing  by  the  warm  and 
enthusiastic  blood  of  hearts  full  of  faith  and  courage.  Its  success  is  assured. 

WOOL. 

The  shipments  of  -wool,  which  two  years  ago  were  estimated  at  975,000 
pounds,  now  reach  about  one  and  a  quarter  million  pounds.  The  contiguity 
of  Austin  to  the  wool  growing  sections  of  the  State  and  its  excellent  facilities 
for  handling  this  invaluable  product,  guarantees  our  wool  market  a  future  pros- 
perity that  will  be  scarcely  excelled  by  that  of  our  cotton  interests. 

HIDES 

also  constitute  an  important  factor  in  the  commerce  of  Austin,  on  account  of 
its  favorable  advantages  as  a  distributing  point.  Probably  not  less  than  400,- 
000  pounds  per  annum  are  now  handled  in  this  market  and  the  steady  growth 
of  operations  augurs  a  future  in  which  the  extent  will  scarcely  have  a  limit. 

The  annual  shipments  of  cattle  are  about  20,000  head ;  sheep,  2,000  head  ; 
horses,  1,200  head.  With  such  other  commodities  as  cotton  seed,  hay,  pecans, 
and  general  agricultural  products,  the  total  value  of  shipments  closely  approx- 
imate $2,000,000. 

This  aggregate,  however,  does  not  include  the  transactions  in 

LUMBER, 

which,  inclusive  of  shipments  and  the  local  trade,  amounts  to  fully  $2,000,000 
per  annum.  It  is  thus  seen  that  the  commerce  of  Austin  in  the  surplus  pro- 
ducts of  the  territory  tributary  to  its  markets,  will  foot  up  the  very  handsome 
sum  of  nearly  four  million  dollars  per  annum,  a  creditable  showing,  indeed, 
for  an  interior  market,  and  which  is  also  surrounded  by  the  innumerable 
absorbing  influences  naturally  belonging  to  the  great  political  center  of  the 
State. 

But  there  are  even  more  striking  evidences  of  its  business  development  to 
be  seen  in  what  are  strictly  termed  the 

MERCANTILE    INTERESTS 

of  the  city,  and  into  which  enter,  chiefly,  those  commodities  we  import,  to  be 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  31 

distributed  in  job  lots  to  the  terrritory  making  Austin  its  base  of  supply,  and 
to   the  local  consumers  through  the  retail  channels  of  trade. 
Among  the  more  important  of  these  interests  are 

GROCERIES. 

The  last  statistics  of  Austin's  commerce  published  about  two  years  ago, 
showed  the  total  valuation  of  the  grocery  trade  to  be  $2,500,000.  If  it  has 
only  increased  20  per  cent,  since  then,  it  now  amounts  to  $3,000,000  per 
annum,  though  we  are  strongly  inclined  to  believe  that  this  estimate  of  increase 
would  prove  rather  under  the  actual  figures,  could  there  be  a  correct  statement 
of  the  trades  operations  compiled,  which  unfortunately  is  not  possible,  owing  to 
the  lack  of  complete  data. 

This  difficulty  of  securing  full  and  reliable  information  is  not  peculiar  to 
the  grocery  trade  alone,  however.  It  prevails  in  every  branch  of  business — 
mercantile  and  manufacturing — because  of  there  being  as  yet  no  board  ot  trade, 
or  other  organization  established,  to  make  a  special  feature  of  compiling  the 
most  complete  and  authentic  statistics  of  the  entire  business  interests  of  the 
city.  As  long  as  this  lack  of  a  body  corporated  together  for  the  purpose  of 
advancing  the  several  trade  and  industrial  interests  of  the  city  by  the  most 
comprehensive  methods  familiar  to  this .  intelligent  age  continues,  there  will 
exist  the  difficulty  of  obtaining  complete  data  showing  the  annual  value  of  any 
particular  one  branch  of  trade,  either  commerce  or  manufactures,  or  the  total 
value  of  our  business  interests  combined.  It  is  to  be  hoped,  however,  that  the 
progressive  spirit  which  now  pervades  all  circles  of  trade  will  speedily  develop 
the  improvement  herein  suggested,  thereby  greatly  facilitating  business  opera- 
tions of  every  description,  mutually  benefitting  all  alike,  and  rendering  far 
more  gratifying  the  task  of  those  who  undertake  to  exhibit  to  the  public  at 
home  and  abroad,  the  substantial  advancement  of  the  Capital  City  of  Texas  as 
an  important  business  center  of  the  country. 

DRY  GOODS. 

Like  groceries,  dry  goods  are  staple  commodities  of  life  and  occupy  a  rul- 
ing position  in  trade.  The  business  men  who  have  control  of  this  interest  in 
Austin  have  exhibited  the  highest  order  of  executive  ability  and  the  most  vig- 
orous energy  in  building  up  the  dry  goods  trade,  thereby  stamping  themselves 
as  well  worthy  of  the  grand  success  they  have  attained.  By  their  skillful 
judgment  in  selecting  stocks  suitable  for  their  trade,  enterprising  methods  of 
doing  business,  and  untiring  efforts  to  accommodate  buyers  in  the  minutest 
particulars,  the  Capital  City  is  now  one  of  the  best  dry  goods  markets  in  the 
State.  That  the  trade  naturally  tributary  to  this  point  finds  the  market  here 
fully  as  advantageous  as  either  Houston  or  Galveston  in  point  of  prices  and 
qualities  and  varieties  of  stocks  to  select  from,  and  superior  when  freight  tare 


32  AUSTIN — HER 


are  considered,  need  no  other  confirmation  than  the  rapidly  increasing  opera- 
tions of  our  dry  goods  houses,  which  amounts  now  to  over  one  million  dollars 
per  annum. 

BOOTS   AND   SHOES. 

The  boot  and  shoe  trade  is  not  more  ably  represented  in  any  city  of  the 
State  than  in  Austin,  our  merchants  engaged  in  the  business  being  fully  alive 
to  the  wants  of  the  people  in  the  line  of  footwear,  prompt  in  introducing  the 
most  improved  grades  of  goods,  and  keenly  enterprising  in  their  efforts  to 
build  up  the  trade  of  this  market.  That  they  are  meeting  with  eminent  suc- 
cess is  to  be  seen  in  the  substantial  growth  of  the  business  which  has  reached 
such  an  extent  as  to  justify  the  establishment  of  a  manufactory  that  is  turn- 
ing out  work  fully  equal  to  the  best  boots  and  shoes  made  in  the  North,  both 
in  quality  and  prices. 

The  trade  in 

HATS   AND   CAPS, 

and  gent's  furnishing  goods,  forms  a  growing  interest  in  the  general  make-up 
of  the  city's  business.  These  kindred  lines  are  carried  in  combination,  the 
stocks  being  very  complete  in  variety  and  quality,  and  dealers  can  purchase 
as  advantageously  here  as  in  the  markets  of  Houston  or  Galveston.  A  very 
thriving  trade  has  been  built  up  by  the  merchants  handling  these  goods,  who 
are  greatly  encouraged  in  their  enterprising  efforts  by  the  success  attending 
their  commendable  labors. 

DRUGS. 

The  drug  trade  of  Austin  exhibits  a  solidity  of  growth — the  result  of  the 
sterling  enterprise  engaged  in  it — that  makes  it  take  rank  with  that  of  any 
other  city  in  Texas.  The  annual  sales  reach  between  $350,000  and  $400,000. 
The  stocks  carried  embrace  complete  lines  of  pure  and  fresh  drugs  and 
chemicals,  paints,  oils,  glass  and  the  usual  variety  of  kindred  goods  belonging 
to  this  department  of  trade,  thus  guaranteeing  to  buyers  every  advantage  to 
be  found  in  the  markets  of  the  great  cities  farther  removed  from  home. 

MISCELLANEOUS. 

Without  going  into  further  specific  details  of  the  trade  of  Austin  in  our 
limited  space,  to  the  exclusion  of  other  features  equally  as  important  to  the 
general  prosperity  of  the  city,  we  conclude  this  portion  of  our  work  by  sum- 
ming up  under  the  head  of  "  miscellaneous,"  the  various  other  branches  of 
trade  conducted  by  our  enterprising  merchants,  embracing  books  and  station- 
ery, confections,  china,  crockery  and  glassware,  cigars  and  tobacco,  clothing, 
furniture,  jewelry,  millinery  goods,  notions,  and  the  almost  innumerable  host 
of  lines  belonging  to  the  mercantile  departments.  The  statement  that  anyone 
of  these  branches  is  ably  conducted,  vigorously  growing  and  annually  contrib- 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  33 

uting  in  a  marked  degree  to  the  importance  of  the  city  as  a  commercial  center, 
is  but  a  reflex  of  what  is  equally  true  concerning  all  the  other  branches.  Suf- 
fice to  say,  then,  that  in  each  and  every  department  of  trade  there  is  found 
sterling  industry,  a  progressive  spirit,  untiring  energy  and  continual  activity, 
and  a  satisfying  prosperity  that  can  only  be  enjoyed  through  commendable 
enterprise  backed  by  strict  business  integrity.  And  it  can  be  further  said  with 
truth  and  pride,  that  as  a  wholesale  point  for  the  establishment  of  any  branch 
of  commerce,  no  city  in  the  State  can  boast  advantages  superior  to  those  con- 
trolled by  the  Capital  City,  and  under  which  favorable  influences  its  honor, 
wealth  and  enduring  greatness  are  gradually  and  assuredly  being  developed 
to  the  fullest  maturity. 

MANUFACTURING  INTERESTS. 

The  advantages  for  manufacturing  interests  in  Austin,  as  we  have  already 
shown,  are  eminently  grand  and  prominent,  and  the  only  matter  for  astonish- 
ment is  in  their  not  having  been  more  fully  utilized  long  ago.  The  one  chief 
reason,  of  course,  is  to  be  found  in  the  fact  that  the  South,  prior  to  the  war, 
was  distinctly  an  agricultural  seat,  and  only  in  very  recent  years  has  turned 
thoughts  and  energies  to  the  development  of  the  hitherto  dormant  resources 
that  are  now,  through  intelligent  manipulation,  working  such  a  complete 
revolution  in  the  entire  political  economy  of  the  good  old  "Southland." 

But  that  reason  alone  will  not  satisfy  the  thoughtful  observer  of  Austin's 
possibilities  as  a  manufacturing  center.  In  looking  at  the  innumerable  evi- 
dences of  thrift,  genius,  enterprise  and  pronounced  ability,  fully  up  to  the 
standard  of  the  times,  the  astonishment  becomes  even  greater,  that,  in  all  the 
years  since  the  war,  this  progression  has  been  developing,  yet  still  there  is  such 
vast  resources  in  Austin's  very  door-yard,  awaiting  the  magic  touch  of  the 
manufacturing  hand  to  leap  into  active  life  and  quicken  the  pulse  beats  of 
every  industry  and  avenue  of  trade  in  the  city. 

True,  the  work  of  developing  manufactures  here  has  reached  an  extent 
calculated  to  arouse  pride  and  enthusiasm  when  contemplating  the  promising 
future,  but  the  city  has  not  done  its  entire  duty  in  this  respect,  partly — and 
upon  this  score  there  is  justification — through  lack  of  capital  in  the  past.  In 
the  main,  however,  it  is  because  upon  the  one  hand  there  has  been  too  much 
importance  attached  to  its  position  as  the  political  center  of  the  State,  and 
upon  the  other  hand  a  too  absorbing  interest  manifested  in  the  development 
of  the  city's  commercial  interests.  This  latter  feature  constituted,  however, 
a  laudable  enterprise,  and  one,  too,  that  amounted  to  a  duty  of  the  gravest 
character.  But  by  investing  the  entire  energies  in  the  one  channel,  there  has 
been  an  inexcusable  neglect  of  the  other  opportunities,  equally  as  inviting, 
and  which  it  was  equally  incumbent  upon  the  city  to  take  advantage  of  and 


34  AUSTIN — HER 


secure  the  vast  benefits  nature  has  lavishly  placed  at  its  command.  In  other 
words,  for  example,  there  has  been  too  much  time  devoted  to  commerce  in  cot- 
ton, to  the  entire  neglect  of  the  manufacture  of  cotton.  For  the  time  being 
there  was  no  apparent  evil  effect  from  this  one-sided  policy,  but  now  that  there 
is  an  awakening  interest  manifested  abroad  to  our  manufacturing  advantages, 
the  folly  of  the  past  is  making  itself  felt,  and  as  the  city  is  fast  obtaining  to 
an  exalted  place  through  its  promising  commercial  future,  this  deficit  in 
manufactures  disturbs  that  perfect  equipoise  essential  to  the  .success  of  business 
and  the  preservation  of  dignity  in  a  truly  great  center  of  trade. 

However,  it  is  gratifying  to  note  that  the  era  of  manufacturing  in  Austin 
has  been  ushered  in,  even  though  so  much  valuable  time  has  been  lost,  and 
the  vigorous  enterprise  which  attends  it  augurs  well  for  a  future  of  grand 
success.  But  the  best  evidence  of  the  present  extent  and  the  future  possibili- 
ties of  manufacturing  at  this  point,  can  be  gathered  from  a  brief  glance  at 
the  principal  industries  which — as  noble  heroes  in  the  advance  guard — have 
laid  first  claim  upon  our  manufacturing  advantages,  and  are  now  enjoying  the 
highest  order  of  prosperity.  In  doing  so,  however,  we  must  bear  in  mind 
that  the  space  of  this  work  is  limited  in  order  that  the  object  in  view  may  not 
be  hampered  in  securing  the  greatest  possible  success,  and  thereby  benefiting 
the  entire  community. 

COTTON    SEED    OIL. 

Though  as  yet  Austin  cannot  boast  of  having  in  its  midst  an  industrial 
enterprise  engaged  in  the  manufacture  of  cotton  goods,  it  can  point  with  con- 
siderable pride  to  its  cotton  seed  oil  mills,  which  though  not  as  extensive  as 
some  others  in  the  State,  have  no  superior  as  regards  the  quality  of  products, 
the  grades  of  oil  comparing  favorably  with  the  output  of  any  similar  manu- 
factory in  the  United  States.  No  other  industry  affords  more  pointed  evidence 
of  the  power  of  the  New  South  as  a  manufacturing  center  than  that  industry 
—now  established  in  every  Southern  State — engaged  in  producing  from  cotton 
seed  mammoth  quantities  of  oil,  which  in  the  crude  and  refined  states,  are 
quoted  as  standard  articles  of  commerce  in  the  markets  of  the  world,  and 
which,  by  reason  of  its  multitudinous  useful  properties,  is  of  such  special  value 
as  to  be  well  nigh  indispensible  to  the  human  race.  In  entering  this  worthy 
field  of  manufactures,  Austin  exhibits  most  excellent  judgment,  and  as  it  pos- 
sesses the  necessary  skill  and  capital,  and  has  an  abundance  of  the  raw  mate- 
rial at  immediate  command,  there  is  no  question  of  its  future  importance  as  a 
producer  of  cotton  seed  oil. 

MARBLE    WORKS. 

The  vast  quarries  of  marble  in  the  vicinity  of  Austin,  the  exceptional  fine- 
ness as  well  as  durability,  and  the  rare  beauty  of  their  products,  are  sufficient 
guarantees  that  the  Capital  City  is  destined  to  take  the  leading  rank  in  this 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  35 

line  of  industries.  No  other  city  in  the  Union  has  such  magnificent  advan- 
tages, as  in  the  preceding  pages  devoted  to  the  resources  of  Austin,  has  been 
clearly  pointed  out ;  and  though  the  work  of  development  is  only  as  yet  in  the 
stage  of  infancy,  progressive  enterprise  is  in  the  field,  laboring  dilligently  and 
most  vigorously,  and  the  outcome  will  be  tersely  expressed  by  the  one  word 
"  Excelsior."  The  superiority  of  the  work  turned  out  by  our  manufacturers  in 
marble,  is  amply  demonstrated  by  the  fact  that  the  trade  reaches  throughout 
the  State  of  Texas  and  heavy  orders  from  Mexico  are  also  placed  here. 

GRANITE 

cutting  is  also  destined  to  become  one  of  the  prominent  industries  of  the  city, 
the  inexhaustible  supply  of  the  raw  material  in  the  neighborhood  and  its  unex- 
celled qualities  for  building  purposes,  together  with  the  perfect  facilities  for 
transportation,  places  us  far  in  advance  of  all  competitors.  Now  that  Texas 
is  making  such  remarkable  progress  in  the  erection  of  substantial  buildings, 
the  granite  cutting  interests  of  Austin  are  bound  to  develop  in  a  corresponding 
measure.  That  the  skill  and  ability  necessary  to  supply  the  most  exacting 
demands  are  here,  needs  no  confirmation  at  our  hands.  The  magnificent 
buildings,  in  which  the  highest  order  of  architectural  and  mechanical  skill  are 
displayed,  now  adorning  the  beautiful  Capital  City,  are  the  best  evidences  of 
that  important  fact. 

The  superabundance  of  the  limestone  formations  in  the  vicinity  of  Austin 

makes  the  manufacture  of 

LIME, 

one  of  our  most  profitable  industries.  Not  only  is  the  demand  for  home  con- 
sumption fully  supplied  by  the  home  product,  but  large  quantities  for  ship- 
ment are  also  manufactured. 

BRICK     MANUFACTURING. 

The  substantial  progress  made  by  our  brick  manufacturers,  testifies  alike 
to  their  skill  and  the  excellent  qualities  of  the  raw  material  found  in  this  neigh- 
borhood. The  increasing  demand  for  the  product  of  our  manufacture,  together 
with  the  spirited  enterprise  displayed  by  those  engaged  in  the  business,  leaves 
no  room  to  doubt  the  future  prosperity  of  the  industry  at  this  point. 

IRON    MANUFACTURES. 

That  the  iron  manufacturing  interests  have  not  failed  to  recognize  the  val- 
uable character  of  Austin's  advantages  for  that  class  of  industry,  and  are  prof- 
iting by  the  special  inducements  offered,  is  a  fact  quite  apparent  from  the 
extensive 

FOUNDRIES   AND   MACHINE   SHOPS, 

and  various  other  iron  working  establishments  located  in  the  city.  Our  foun- 
dries produce  a  wide  range  of  castings,  which,  together  with  the  excellency  of 


36  ATSTIN — HER 


the  machinery  built  by  our  manufacturers,  makes  us  quite  independent  in  the 
several  lines  of  their  products ;  and  as  the  work  turned  out  compares  favorably 
with  that  of  Northern  establishments  in  variety  and  finish,  a  valuable  home 
trade  has  sprung  up  which  is  yearly  augmenting  as  our  facilities  for  manufac- 
ture are  constantly  being  increased,  by  the  introduction  of  new  capital  and  the 
expanding  of  those  establishments  which  have  already  obtained  a  successful 
standing.  The  various  branches  of  the  iron  manufacturing  industries,  includ- 
ing those  which  utilize  more  extensively  as  the  principal  raw  material,  copper, 
zinc,  tin,  and  the  metal  alloys,  are  ably  represented  in  Austin,  but  the  field  is 
large,  and  like  industries  to  an  almost  unlimited  number  can  enter  it  and  enjoy 
prosperity  to  an  unusual  degree  through  well  displayed  skill  and  enterprise. 
Austin  wants  them  and  cordially  invites  them  to  come  ;  and  the  more  capable 
they  are  financially,  the  better  for  the  city  and  the  State,  generally,  for  large 
manufacturing  establishments  bring  into  the  State  large  numbers  of  consumers, 
which  in  turn  create  a  demand  for  an  increased  number  of  producers  and  both 
draw  merchants  to  keep  revolving  the  wheels  of  commerce,  and  make  doubly 
assured  the  greatest  possible  prosperity  for  all  alike. 

FLOURING   MILLS. 

The  manufacture  of  flour  in  the  City  of  Austin,  though  as  yet  an  interest 
of  no  great  magnitude  compared  with  the  extent  it  has  reached  in  some  of  our 
Texas  cities,  is  nevertheless  a  growing  industry  which  has  taken  a  firm  root 
and  in  the  course  of  a  very  few  years  cannot  fail  to  develop  into  one  of  the 
most  important  that  Austin  will  boast  of  with  just  feelings  of  pride.  There 
are  two  milling  plants  now  established,  one  using  steam  and  the  other  water 
power — the  latter  utilizing  the  munificent  supply  furnished  by  the  Colorado 
River.  Both  mills  are  enjoying  a  lucrative  trade,  and  have  the  satisfaction  of 
seeing  their  business  annually  reaching  greater  proportions  through  the 
superior  merits  of  the  popular  brands  of  breadstuff  they  are  turning  out. 

The  encouragement  which  these  pioneers  of  the  flouring  industry  in 
Austin  are  receiving,  is  justly  deserved  by  the  enterprise  they  have  exhibited, 
and  it  furthermore  establishes  as  an  incontrovertible  fact,  that  as  a  milling 
point,  capital  can  desire  no  more  favorable  location.  Water  power  is  here  in 
abundance  which  can  be  utilized  365  days  in  the  year,  and  coal  is  now  even 
more  plentiful  for  creating  steam  power  if  preferred.  The  prolific  agricultural 
country  surrounding  Austin  and  its  extensive  railway  system,  placing  within 
its  reach  every  wheat-growing  section  of  the  State,  insures  a  continuous  supply 
of  the  raw  material ;  and  finally,  there  is  the  market  for  the  product — no 
matter  how  vast  it  might  become  Texas  alone  can  consume  it  entire.  The  fact 
is,  there  is  no  manufacturing  interest  now  in  the  State  of  more  importance — 
to  the  extent  of  its  growth — than  the  manufacture  of  wheat  into  flour  and 
bran.  At  least  three-fourths  of  the  flour  which  we  consume  comes  from  Kan- 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  37 

sas,  Missouri,  California,  and  other  States  north,  and  yet  the  annual  product  of 
wheat  in  the  State  will  average  twenty  million  bushels,  worth  at  home  about 
80  cents  per  bushel,  or  a  total  of  $16,000,000.  Two-thirds  of  this  yield  is 
shipped  North,  by  which  disposition  the  bran  and  coarser  grades  of  flour  are 
nearly  a  complete  loss,  the  cost  of  transportation  being  almost  equal  to  the 
market  value — amounting  to  a  total  deprivation  of  our  people  of  those  com- 
modities. The  cost  of  shipping  our  wheat  and  re-shipping  the  flour  for  con- 
sumption, with  the  profits  of  the  manufacturers  included,  will  foot  up 
$5,000,000  per  annum. 

It  requires  a  very  simple  arithmetical  calculation  to  demonstrate  that,  by 
this  injudicious  policy,  the  great  wheat-growing  State  of  Texas  is  voluntarily 
submitting  to  a  wrong  of  the  gravest  character — in  fact,  is  permitting  its  sub- 
sistence to  be  thrown  away  in  the  most  profligate  manner.  Our  20,000,000 
bushels  of  wheat  converted  into  flour  at  home  would  about  meet  the  Texas 
demand,  while  the  three-fourths  now  imported  for  consumption  costs  the  con- 
sumers $21,000,000.  Against  these  figures  place  the  home  value  of  our  entire 
wheat  product — $16,000,000 — and  it  is  an  easy  matter  to  see  what  a  loss  is  sus- 
tained, irrespective  of  the  bran,  shorts  and  middlings,  by  the  inconsistent 
method  of  sending  this  grain  crop  abroad  to  be  manufactured  into  flour  which 
is  immediately  returned,  at  a  handsome  profit  to  the  millers,  to  us  for  con- 
sumption. It  is  a  well  known  fact  that  the  favorite  brands  of  flour  imported 
by  us  are,  to  a  very  great  extent,  made  of  Texas  wheat,  and  no  wonder,  there- 
fore, that  those  only  partially  acquainted  with  the  true  state  of  affairs  so  often 
ask  :  "  Why  does  not  Texas  make  her  own  flour  ?  "  It  is  because  there  is  a 
lack  of  mills  of  the  highest  improved  order,  that  can  turn  out  flour  of  the 
finest  quality,  of  the  highest  grades  and  of  a  sufficient  capacity  to  manufac- 
ture the  entire  wheat  crop  grown  in  Texas.  Can  any  one  doubt  the  assertion 
that  Austin  is  one  of  the  most  inviting  fields  in  the  State  for  capital  that  will 
establish  flouring  mills  of  this  character  ? 

ICE   MANUFACTURING. 

Few,  if  any,  industrial  undertakings  in  the  South  give  evidence  of  more 
genuine  enterprise  than  the  manufacture  of  artificial  ice,  and  few  have  reached 
greater  magnitude,  while  absolutely  none  can  lay  claim  to  a  more  important 
rank  as  contributors  to  the  health  and  comfort  of  the  masses,  as  well  as  our 
material  prosperity.  The  growth  of  the  industry  has  been  astonishing,  but 
not  more  so  than  the  improvements  in  the  processes  for  manufacturing  the 
artificial  article,  by  which  it  is  not  only  the  equal  of  Nature's  own  congeal- 
ment,  but  for  some  purposes  it  is  superior  to  the  latter,  while  as  a  rival  upon 
the  score  of  cost,  its  extremely  low  price  to  consumers  enables  all  to  enjoy  its 
benefits,  thus  making  it  an  invaluable  boon  to  the  South,  where  in  former  days 
Northern  ice  was  indeed  a  luxury  that  but  very  few  could  indulge  in,  and  an 


38  AUSTIN — HER 


enormous  expense  under  circumstances  where  the  consumption  of  very  large 
quantities  was  an  unavoidable  necessity. 

There  are  two  ice  manufactories  in  Austin,  with  a  combined  capacity  of 
about  twenty-five  tons  per  day,  which  is  ample  at  present  to  supply  the  entire 
local  demand  and  a  very  profitable  trade  from  the  surrounding  country.  The 
trade  from  abroad,  however,  is  expanding  so  rapidly  that  a  very  considerable 
increase  of  capacity  is  contemplated  at  an  early  day  by  our  manufacturers,  and 
which  fact  is  the  most  substantial  evidence  that  could  be  adduced,  as  to  the 
superior  quality  and  cheapness  of  the  ice  they  turn  out. 

LEATHER    INTERESTS. 

There  is  no  possible  reason  to  be  offered  why  Austin  should  not  be  one  of 
the  most  advantageous  sites  in  Texas  for  either  the  manufacture  of  leather,  or 
any  of  the  various  industries  in  which  that  material  is  used  as  the  chief 
factor.  Hides,  which  like  "  Topsey,"  who  said  "  she  jist  growed,"  sprung  up 
spontaneously  all  over  the  State,  apparently  without  any  effort  on  the  part  of 
anyone,  being  the  production  of  an  industry  which  stands  side  by  side  with 
agriculture,  and  which,  notwithstanding  its  mammoth  proportions,  is  con- 
ducted at  such  a  minimum  of  cost,  that  if  the  yield  of  beef  alone  was  the  only 
part  of  cattle  that  could  be  utilized,  still  the  raising  of  them  would  remain  the 
same  lucrative  industry  in  Texas.  Besides  the  enormous  quantity  of  hides 
sent  out  of  the  State  annually  on  the  live  cattle  we  ship,  there  are  also 
30,000,000  pounds  of  hides  prepared  for  the  tanner  within  the  State.  But 
unfortunately,  and  to  our  shame  it  must  be  confessed,  their  furthur  develop- 
ment ceases  at  that  point,  for  the  30,000,000  pounds  of  hides  are  sent  abroad 
to  be  manufactured  into  leather,  and  the  leather  to  be  manufactured  into  boots 
and  shoes,  harness  and  saddlery  and  many  other  commodities,  which  are  then 
sent  to  us  for  consumption.  The  enormous  loss  entailed  upon  Texas  by  this 
injudicious  management  in  the  years  gone  by  has  reached  a  sum,  the  magni- 
tude of  which  would  scarcely  be  credited  were  it  possible  to  compute  it  in 
exact  dollars  and  cents.  But  vast  as  is  the  loss  consequent  upon  the  shipment 
of  our  hides  cured  at  home  to  Northern  manufactures,  how  incomparably 
greater  must  be  the  sum  total  of  our  losses  upon  hides  through  the  immense 
shipments  of  live  cattle  abroad. 

Tli ore  was  a  time  when,  how  to  prevent  this  vast  loss  upon  the  hides  pro- 
duced in  Texas,  was  a  problem  too  difficult  of  solution  to  be  given  serious 
consideration,  but  it  is  no  longer  so.  With  the  establishment  of  large  tan- 
neries and  the  erection  of  boot  and  shoe  factories  thoroughly  equipped  with 
capital,  improved  labor-saving  machinery  and  spirited  enterprise,  throughout 
the  State,  and  this  constant  drifting  of  the  raw  material  in  the  form  of  hides 
to  Northern  manufacturers,  will  speedily  grow  visibly  less,  and  it  will  cease 
aitirdy  when  our  cattlemen  wake  up  to  the  importance  of  slaughtering  at 


TRADE,    COMMERCE  AND  INDUSTRIES.  39 

home  and  shipping  dressed  beeves  in  refrigerator  cars  to  the  great  markets 
abroad.  When  this  work  of  reform  has  been  fully  accomplished,  Texas  will 
no  longer  be  deprived  of  the  profits  on  commodities  that  can  be  produced  here 
cheaper  than  in  any  other  State  in  the  Union,  and  therefore  enabling  our 
manufacturers  to  give  home  consumers  the  advantage  of  lower  prices,  and  the 
very  best  grade  of  goods,  without  cutting  profits  under  those  enjoyed  by  the 
manufacturers  North,  who  are  now  supplying  our  wants  in  these  respects. 

It  is  only  a  question  of  time  (and  its  speedy  coming  is  now  more  strongly 
indicated  than  ever  before),  when  this  flattering  condition  of  affairs  for  the 
leather  interests  will  prevail  all  over  the  State,  and  in  no  section  is  there  more 
promising  advantages  for  ripe  development  than  the  city  of  Austin  possesses. 
The  various  industries,  represented  in  the  class  of  manufactures  depending  on 
leather  as  the  chief  of  raw  materials  are  becoming  firmly  established  here, 
and  those  already  founded  are  paving  the  way  for  other  accessions  equally  as 
energetic,  by  their  commendable  enterprise  and  vigorous  growth.  First  in 
these  several  lines  of  manufacture  is 

TANNING, 

and  to  which  branch  the  rank  of  precedence  must  be  given,  as  upon  it  all 
the  others  are  naturally  dependent.  The  one  tannery  in  the  city  has  proved 
itself  a  worthy  pioneer  of  the  industry  at  Austin,  having  by  its  pluck  and 
enterprise  considerably  augmented  the  manufacturing  importance  and  mate- 
rial wealth  of  this  point.  The  product  is,  of  course,  limited  to  a  very  ordinary 
extent,  as  the  demand  for  Texas-made  leather  has  not  yet  become  so  general 
among  the  auxiliary  branches  of  the  industry  as  to  make  the  home  article  a 
formidable  rival  of  the  imported  makes.  However,  the  output  of  our  tannery 
will  stand  the  most  critical  examination  of  its  qualities,  and  in  this  respect 
and  in  the  cost  to  consumers,  it  acknowledges  no  superior,  and  the  popular 
favor  it  is  creating  shows  that  its  merits  will  soon  make  it  a  competitor  that 
will  lead  in  the  home  markets  and  secure  it  a  conspicuous  place  in  those 
abroad. 

BOOT   AND   SHOE 

manufacturing,  though  confined  principally  to  custom  orders,  has  begun  to 
branch  out  to  manufacturing  for  the  trade.  And  though  the  operations  are 
conducted  upon  only  a  small  scale,  the  enterprise  thus  exhibited  recommends 
it  to  the  highest  consideration  by  the  public,  as  it  will  eventually  secure  the 
fullest  recognition  through  Austin's  development  as  one  of  the  prominent  boot 
and  shoe  manufacturing  centers  of  Texas.  It  is  difficult  to  conceive  of  a  line 
of  industry  that  could  be  established  by  large  capital  in  Austin  with  the  assur- 
ance of  more  positive  success  than  the  manufacture  of  boots  and  shoes.  The 
facilities  for  obtaining  raw  material  are  equal  to  those  at  any  other  point  in  the 
State.  The  territory  tributary  to  the  trade  of  the  city  is  of  an  extent  and  char- 


40  AUSTIN — HER 


acter  that  guarantees  the  most  liberal  support,  and  the  advantages  for  obtain- 
ing a  market  for  the  product  outside  of  this  natural  home  trade,  are  fully  up 
to  the  standard  of  those  found  elsewhere.  The  cost  of  conducting  the  manu- 
facture here  can  be  reduced  to  the  minimum  by  judicious  management  with- 
out difficulty,  while  the  attractive  surroundings  for  operatives,  in  the  way  of 
cheap  food  supplies,  cheap  fuel,  cheap  rents,  and  a  pleasant,  healthy  home  in 
the  most  beautiful  city  in  the  State,  renders  it  an  easy  matter  to  secure  and 
retain  the  most  competent  of  skilled  labor.  More  inviting  inducement  than 
these  cannot  be  held  out  by  any  other  city  in  the  State  claiming  to  be  a 
natural  manufacturing  point,  and  so  favorable  a  combination  of  advantages 
cannot  fail  of  influence  in  securing  to  the  Capital  City  the  most  beneficial 
results. 

SADDLERY   AND   HARNESS. 

The  manufacture  of  -saddlery  and  harness  is  a  line  of  industry  which 
receives  very  liberal  encouragement  indeed  in  Texas,  for  no  State  in  the  Union 
is  a  greater  consumer  of  such  articles.  And  though  Northern  made  goods  are 
extensively  sold  in  the  State,  the  trade  in  this  class  of  commodities  is  one  of 
the  very  few  which  finds  in  the  home  manufactures  the  leading  competitor, 
especially  such  goods  as  properly  come  within  the  definition  of  the  term,  sad- 
dlery. It  is  a  strange  fact,  that  almost  every  State  in  the  Union — and  we  may 
also  say  with  truth,  every  country  in  the  world — has  adopted  some  particular 
style  of  saddle  and  other  horse  accoutrements,  and  for  which  the  attachment 
is  so  strong  that  it  is  difficult  to  find  a  parallel  outside  of  the  prejudice  in  favor 
of  the  costumes  peculiar  to  the  various  nations  of  the  earth.  Why  this  feature 
in  horse  apparel  should  have  reached  such  an  extreme  as  to  become  so  very 
remarkable  in  the  several  sections  of  one  common  country  like  ours,  is  a  conun- 
drum which  we  cannot  afford  to  waste  time  upon  in  the  attempt  to  solve. 
We  know  that  such  is  a  fact,  and  those  who  are  posted  on  Texas  eccentricities, 
knows  how  particular  a  Texan  is  in  the  selection  of  a  saddle,  a  bridle,  a  girth 
or  a  bit,  or  any  part  of  the  outfit  for  the  animal  so  commonly  used  as  a  medium 
of  conveyance ;  and  no  manufacturer  can  suit  the  native  fancy  so  thoroughly 
as  our  home  manufacturers  who  are  perfectly  familiar  with  the  peculiarities  in 
this  direction. 

The  success  which  Austin  has  made  as  a  manufacturer  of  this  line  of 
goods,  is  of  the  most  substantial  character,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  the  products  of 
any  other  point  in  Texas  can  compete  with  those  turned  out  here,  either  in  the 
home  market  or  abroad.  As  an  evidence  of  this  fact  and  also  of  the  magni- 
tude of  the  industry  at  Austin,  one  of  our  establishments  alone  does  a  business 
to  the  amount  of  half  a  million  dollars  per  annum,  having  branches  in  no  less 
than  six  of  the  most  prominent  points  in  the  State,  and  commanding  a  trade 
that  reaches  throughout  Texas,  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  Mississippi,  and  extends 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  41 

even  into  Tennessee.  An  exhibit  like  this  is  the  most  fitting  praise  that  could 
be  expressed  concerning  the  able  character  of  Austin  as  a  manufacturer  of  har- 
ness and  saddlery. 

HORSE  COLLAR 

manufacturing  is  also  conducted  in  the  city  as  a  distinct  line  of  industry,  and 
constitutes  one  of  our  most  progressive  enterprises,  well  worthy  of  the  success 
being  met  with. 

SADDLETREE   MANUFACTURING, 

which  is  closely  identified  with  the  saddlery  industry,  also  deserves  mention  as 
a  valuable  contributor  to  Austin's  material  prosperity  and  importance  as  a 
center  of  manufactures. 

WOOD-WORKING    INDUSTRIES. 

Austin's  advantages  for  manufacturing  pursuits  are  well  testified  by  the 
number  of  various  industries  properly  classed  under  this  heading.  The  facili- 
ties at  this  point  for  obtaining  the  raw  material,  as  we  have  already  shown  in 
the  chapter  devoted  to  the  material  resources  of  the  city,  are,  strictly  speaking, 
as  favorable  as  those  possessed  by  any  city  or  town  in  the  State.  Lumber  of 
every  description,  both  hard  and  soft  varieties,  is  produced  in  abundance  at  our 
very  doors,  barring  pine,  and  that  is  so  readily  accessible  that  it  may  as  well  be 
included  in  the  exhaustive  catalogue  of  wood  material  which  the  manufac- 
turer finds  here  for  utilization ;  and,  moreover,  the  cost  of  the  raw  material 
laid  down  in  the  city  is  as  cheap  as  it  can  be  obtained  at  any  other  point  in  the 
State  adapted  to  general  manufacturing. 

Among  the  many  pursuits  dependent  upon  this  material,  none  have 
obtained  a  more  important  rank  than  the  manufacture  of 

SASH,    DOORS    AND    BLINDS. 

In  fact  this  branch  has  become  the  leading  wood-making  industry  of 
America,  and  each  year  sees  it  develop  to  more  gigantic  proportions.  Austin 
has  every  reason  to  be  proud  of  its  manufactures  in  this  line,  the  planing  mills 
turning  out  sash,  doors  and  blinds,  mouldings,  turned  and  scroll  work,  that 
cannot  be  excelled  in  any  respect  by  the  manufactories  at  any  other  point  in 
the  country.  These  products  are  shipped  throughout  the  region  tributary  to 
Austin  in  large  quantities  and  -the  prominent  growth  of  the  business  indicates 
a  future  in  which  the  city  will  be  unusually  conspicuous  as  a  seat  of  this 
important  line  of  industry. 

Numerous  other  wood-working  branches  are  conducted  in  the  city,  and 
considerable  headway  has  been  made  towards  establishing  them  as  prominent 
industries.  Jhere  is  rare  skill  and  enterprise  engaged  in  all  of  them  and  they 
are  steadily  and  surely  growing  to  proportions  that  will  satisfy  in  the  fullest 
the  laudable  ambition  which  now  inspires  the  work  of  progress. 


42  AUSTIN — HER 


HUNTING    AND    IT  I'.LISHING. 

The  multiplicity  and  diversified  nature  of  Austin's  industrial  advantages, 
an-  illustrated  in  a  market!  way  by  the  character  and  extent  of  its  printing 
and  publishing  interests,  and  which  deserve  an  unusual  degree  of  credit  for 
the  substantial  prosperity  they  are  bringing  to  the  city,  by  their  enterprise 
and  practical  demonstrations  of  what  can  be  done  here  by  the  manufacturing 
lines.  They  have  won  for  the  Capital  City  of  Texas  a  most  enviable  reputa- 
tion indeed  among  the  public  abroad,  and  through  the  energy,  skill  and  busi- 
ness tact  which  backs  them,  are  continually  adding  lustre  to  Austin's  fame  as 
a  live,  go-ahead  city. 

The  extent  to  which  this  class  of  industry  has  reached  is  readily  seen  in 
the  fact  that 

TEN   NEWSPAPERS 

and  periodicals  are  now  published  in  the  city,  although  its  population  still 
numbers  less  than  20,000.  While  it  is  true  that  these  publications  do  not 
rely  solely  upon  the  Austin  public  for  support — for  printed  matter,  edited  and 
published  here  goes  regularly  to  thousands  of  readers  scattered  in  every  city 
and  town  in  the  United  States — still,  here  was  their  birth-place,  it  was  Austin 
that  fostered  and  encouraged  them,  giving  them  their  first  prestige,  and  to 
Austin  they  continue  to  look  for  the  approbation  that  insures  future  success. 

THE   STATESMAN 

is  the  leading  daily  journal,  being  issued  every  morning  except  Monday,  with 
a  weekly  edition  appearing  every  Thursday.  The  Statesman  was  established 
in  1871,  and  was  first  issued  as  a  twenty  column  tri-weekly.  It  has  steadily 
grown  in  size— and  also  in  popularity— to  a  thirty-six  column  daily,  and 
through  the  ability  and  enterprise  in  its  editorial  and  managerial  departments 
is  now  generally  recognized  as  the  leading  democratic  paper  of  the  Southwest. 

THE   DISPATCH 

represents  the  republican  side  of  politics,  and  is  issued  every  evening  except 
Sunday.  It  is  a  bright,  energetic  journal  that  reflects  credit  alike  upon  the 
liberal  spirit  of  the  community  and  the  genuine  newspaper  skill  of  the  stall' 
in  control. 

TEXAS  SIFTINGS 

is  known  even/when  and  highly  appreciated  by  its  vast  number  of  readers  who 
are  found  in  every  section  of  this  country  and  many  Knglish  ^peaking  com- 
munities ,,f  Kin-op.-.  It  is  a  weekly,  issued  every  Saturday,  and  is  independent 
in  politic,  invading  every  field  of  life  with  its  five  lance  of  humor.  Its  career 
has  been  as  phenomenal  as  the  spirit  of  dash  which  prompted  the  establish- 
ment .if  Mid.  a  journal  in  this  extreme  part  of  the  South,  is  remarkable.  No 


TKADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  43 


paper  of  a  similar  character  outside  of  New  York  has  ever  had  a  like  success, 
and  none  have  attained  a  wider  circulation. 

THE    AUSTIN     \Y<  ><  'II  KX 15 1, ATT 

is  a  weekly  issue,  devoted  to  the  German  interests  of  the  State  at  large  and 
the  general  prosperity  of  Austin  in  particular.  Judicious  management  and 
the  sterling  ability  of  the  editorial  corps  has  established  it  upon  a  substantial 
basis  and  given  it  a  prominent  rank  among  the  most  popular  German  papers 
in  the  State. 

The  remaining  publications  are  as  follows: 

Texas  Farm  and  Ranch. — A  semi-monthly  journal  devoted  to  the  agricul- 
tural and  pastoral  interests  of  the  State,  which  circulates  extensively  through- 
out the  South  and  Southwest. 

Texas  State  Journal. — A  monthly  issue  representing  land  and  railway 
interests. 

Texas  Baptist  Herald. — A  weekly,  and  the  standard  organ  of  the  Baptist 
order  of  religion  in  the  State. 

The  Homo3opathic  Pellet  is  a  medical  journal  published  monthly;  and 
The  Texian  (a  monthly),  and  The  American  Sketch  Book  (issued  in  numbers 
irregularly),  are  devoted  to  social  interests. 

The  diversified  character  of  these  publications  and  the  eminent  success 
they  are  enjoying,  testify  no  less  to  the  intelligence  and  social  refinement  of 
Austin,  than  to  its  progressiveness,  as  a  business  and  industrial  point. 

The  facilities  of  Austin  in  every  branch  of  the  printing  and  publishing 
business  are  unsurpassed  in  the  Southwest,  and  the  equipments  for  rapid  and 
fine  work  are  upon  the  whole  better  perhaps  than  is  possessed  at  any  other 
point  in  the  State,  while  the  work  turned  out  cannot  be  excelled  in  any  city 
of  the  Union. 

A  number  of  other  industries  have  been  established  in  the  city,  which  are 
steadily  being  developed  under  the  influence  of  manufacturing  skill  and  keen 
business  enterprise,  to  substantial  proportions  that  will  eventually  rank  them 
with  any  of  a  like  kind  in  the  State,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  believe  they  will 
become  the  peers  of  any  in  the  country.  But  there  is  no  need  to  dwell  upon 
their  characteristic  features.  Sufficient  has  been  outlined  to  show  that  Austin's 
manufacturing  interests  are  all  progressive  and  prosperous,  that  the  controlling 
spirits  are  not  aroues  in  the  vineyards  of  labor,  but  active,  energetic  workers, 
ambitious  to  excel. 

The  latest  statistics  concerning  the  industrial  enterprises  existing  in  the 
city,  shows  185  establishments  of  all  kinds,  great  and  small,  elassilied  as 
follows : 

Bakeries,  6;  barbers,  11;  blacksmiths,  wagon  and  carriage  shops,  ls: 
bookbinders,  printers,  stereotypers,  etc.,  6  ;  boot  and  shoemakers,  11 ;  brick- 


44  AUSTIN — HER 


makers,  2 ;  cabinetmakers,  3  ;  candy  manufacturers,  2 ;  contractors,  carpenters 
and  builders,  14 ;  dyeing  and  scouring,  1 ;  florists,  3 ;  flouring  mills,  2 ; 
foundries  and  machine  shops,  4 ;  gas  companies,  2 ;  gas-fitters  and  plumbers, 
5 ;  gun  and  locksmithing,  3 ;  hair  goods,  2;  horse  collar  manufacturing,  1 ; 
ice  factories,  2;  jewelry  and  watchmaking,  6;  laundries,  4;  lime  manufac- 
turers, 2 ;  lumber,  doors,  sash  and  blinds,  6 ;  mattress  manufacturers,  2 ; 
marble  yards,  3 ;  meat  markets,  14 ;  milliners,  9 ;  newspapers,  10 ;  omnibus, 
dray  and  transfer  lines,  5 ;  painters,  8 ;  photographers,  4 ;  saddlery  and  harness 
manufacturing,  4 ;  safe  manufacturing,  1 ;  soap  manufacturing,  1 ;  soda  water 
manufacturing,  1 ;  tailors,  6 ;  telegraph  and  telephone  companies,  1 ;  water 
works  1 ;  total,  185. 

These  various  industries  give  employment  to  about  1,300  people — exclu- 
sive of  the  clerical  force  they  also  support — among  whom  nearly  $1,000,000 
per  annum  are  disbursed,  while  the  total  value  of  the  products  will  reach  to 
fully  $5,000,000,  an  increase  of  fifty  per  cent,  during  the  past  three  years. 

This  very  handsome  showing  of  our  industrial  enterprise  at  this  stage  in 
the  development  of  Austin's  advantages,  is  an  unqualified  tribute  of  praise  to 
the  high  order  of  skill,  executive  ability  and  sagacious  judgment — and  the 
push  and  pluck  as  well — which  has  come  into  our  midst  full  of  confidence  in 
the  city's  possibilities,  to  labor  in  the  fruition  of  Nature's  designs  concerning 
the  Capital  of  Texas — to  build  up  its  greatness  as  a  seat  of  manufacturing 
industries.  The  record  thus  far  is  a  bright  one  that  may  be  accepted  as  a  true 
indication  of  what  the  future  will  reveal,  yet  it  but  faintly  foreshadows  the 
illimitable  prosperity  in  store  for  us,  if  the  golden  opportunity  is  properly 
handled,  and  the  vast  wealth  of  resources  at  the  city's  command  thoroughly 
utilized  by  the  vigorous  hand  of  capital. 

An  immense  number  of  the  most  useful,  and  also  the  most  profitable, 
industries  are  yet  to  be  introduced  in  the  city,  although  the  inducements  it 
holds  out  to  them  to  come  and  partake  of  its  bounty  are  of  the  most  substan- 
tial and  liberal  nature,  and  cannot  be  excelled  elsewhere.  The  immense  water 
power  of  the  Colorado  River  is  patiently  waiting  to  set  in  motion  any  number 
of  great  mills  that  may  levy  tribute  upon  its  lasting  capacities.  Is  it  not 
specially  inviting  as  a  site  for 

COTTON   MILLS? 

With  this  cheap  power  at  our  hand,  the  fleecy  staple  springing  up,  like 
magic,  in  abundance  upon  every  side,  and  skilled  labor  easy  to  be  obtained, 
capital  ought  to  make  Austin  resound  with  the  busy  hum  of  thousands  of 
spindles.  Nothing  has  yet  been  developed  to  show  that  Southern  cotton  mills 
cannot  do  well  when  there  is  a  profitable  sale  for  cotton  goods.  On  the  con- 
trary, it  has  been  substantially  demonstrated  that  the  manufacturing  can  be 

as  wett  and  more  cheaply  done  near  to  the  staple.      But,  while  admitting  this 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  45 

fact,  capital  interposes  as  an  objection  to  the  further  increase  of  milling  capac- 
ity in  the  South,  the  large  number  of  factories  now  idle  or  running  on  short 
time  in  both  the  North  and  the  South ;  the  depressed  condition  of  the  market 
from  over-production,  and  the  necessity  for  Congress  to  first  regulate  the  tariff 
question.  As  an  answer  to  such  arguments,  let  there  be  more  enterprise  exhib- 
ited by  our  cotton  mills — let  our  manufacturers  push  out  for  themselves  and 
find  markets,  instead  of  sitting  apathetically  in  a  cushioned  armchair  waiting 
for  Congress  to  open  the  way.  A  fair  sample  of  the  lively  "  rustling  "  kind  of 
enterprise  just  now  needed  in  the  cotton  industries  throughout  the  country  is 
shown  by  the  Libby  Cotton  Mills  at  Augusta,  Ga.,  which  are  filling  orders  for 
their  product  from  Manchester,  England.  Let  this  example  of  spirited  pro- 
gress be  followed,  even  if  it  is  necessary  to  "  hustle  "  in  the  antipodes  for  trade, 
and  mills  everywhere  will  soon  be  making  full  time  and  the  cry  of  over-pro- 
duction will  cease  to  be  the  bugbear  of  the  present  gigantic  proportions. 

Again,  let  there  be  a  decided  improvement  in  the  grades  of  goods  made. 
It  is  the  coarser  grades  of  cloth  that  have  become  a  glut  on  the  home  market 
and  for  which  it  is  equally  difficult  to  find  a  foreign  sale.  Notwithstanding 
the  United  States  is  the  greatest  cotton  producing  country  in  the  world,  and 
the  mournful  cry  is  heard  ascending  on  every  hand  that  the  over-production 
by  our  cotton  mills  is  bringing  destitution  in  the  land,  yet  it  is  a  naked  fact 
that  our  imports  of  cotton  manufacturers  are  still  three  times  greater  than  our 
exports.  All  this  excess,  however  (and  to  the  shame  of  our  superior  manu- 
facturing skill  it  must  be  said),  consists  of  fancy  goods,  the  domestic  manu- 
facture of  which  has  not  yet  reached  that  perfection  towards  which,  we  may 
congratulate  ourselves,  it  is  tending,  but  so  slowly  that  we  may  expect  that, 
for  some  years  to  come,  we  will  have  to  draw  upon  Europe  for  more  or  less  of 
this  class  of  goods  to  supply  that  demand  which  the  home  manufactures  will 
be  unable  to  meet.  And  to  bear  us  out  in  these  assertions,  we  introduce  the 
following  statement  showing  the  imports  and  exports  of  cotton  manufactures 
into  and  from  the  United  States  during  the  census  year  of  1880  : 

Imports.  Exports. 

Piece  goods,  plain $5,835,000  $1,020,000 

Piece  goods,  printed 1,180,000  2,956,000 

Hosiery,  shirts,  etc 7,515,000 

Jeans,  denims 1,068,000 

All  other  manufactures 19,146,000  1,190,000 

Total $34,744,000  $5,166,000 

Very  clearly  the  work  of  radical  reform  must  be  prosecuted  most  vigor- 
ously within  our  mills  before  they  can  look  for  a  full  share  of  prosperity;  and 
it  is  no  less  apparent  that  factories  established  at  Austin  upon  the  most 


46  AUSTIN — HER 


improved  systems  for  turning  out  products  to  meet  the  demands  of  the  day, 
will  become  a  practical  success  of  the  highest  order. 

Another  manufacturing  industry  which  is  of  the  greatest  importance  to 
the  country  in  general  and  the  State  of  Texas  in  particular,  for  which  Austin 
is  peculiarly  fitted  to  become  a  thriving  seat  of,  is  the  manufacture  of 

WOOl.KN    MATERIALS. 

The  same  sterling  advantages  which  cordially  invites  the  founding  of 
cotton  factories  at  this  point,  holds  out  the  same  special  inducements  to  this 
natural  associate  interest.  The  production  of  wool  is  comparatively  a  new, 
but  rapidly  growing/industry  in  Texas,  the  present  yield  being  about  30,000,000 
pounds  per  annum.  The  cost  of  transportation  on  the  crop,  however,  exceeds 
cotton  in  proportion  to  the  yield,  and  the  manufacturers'  profits  are  corres- 
pondingly greater.  Hence,  when  we  consider  the  decided  advantages  in  favor 
of  manufacturing  our  wool  crop  at  home,  the  fact  that  we  have  but  two  woolen 
mills  in  the  State,  and  the  thorough  adaptability  of  Austin  as  a  center  for  the 
manufacture  of  woolen  goods,  it  is  not  only  obvious  that  the  most  satisfying 
outcome  would  result  from  the  establishment  of  such  plants  here,  but  there 
is  every  reason  to  believe  that  the  industry  could  be  built  up  to  a  degree  .of 
magnitude  that  would  excel  all  others  located  in  our  midst. 

With  the  development  of  cotton  and  wool  manufactures,  there  would 
naturally  spring  a  multitude  of  auxiliary  manufactures  to  the  great  benefit  of 
the  two  principal  industries,  and  the  material  advancement  of  the  public  pros- 
perity. Indeed  with  these  great  textile  industries  firmly  established  in  the  | 
city,  the  diversified  manufactures  which  will  speedily  follow,  and  the  character, 
extent  and  value  of  the  products,  will  rapidly  develop  Austin  as  the  "  Lowell " 
of  the  South.  And  it  can  be  made  the  prototype  of  Holyoke  by  the  introduc- 
tion of 

PAPER    MILLS. 

Nowhere  within  the  broad  expanse  of  the  great  State  of  Texas,  with  its 
countless  advantages  for  the  important  manufacture  of  paper,  is  there  to  be 
found  a  single  mill,  and  as  a  consequence  the  point  which  first  exhibits  its 
enterprise  by  founding  the  industry,  will  enjoy  pre-eminence  for  all  time  to 
come  in  the  manufacture,  as  well  as  a  complete  monopoly  for  years  hence. 
Austin  has  the  water  power  to  turn  the  wheels  of  not  one,  but  several  such 
mills,  and  the  raw  material  in  the  form  of  rags  can  be  obtained  here  as  r*  ad- 
ily,  and  as  cheap,  as  at  any  of  the  great  paper  making  towns  of  Massachusetts 
or  elsewhere,  while  the  wood  pulp  which  now  enters  so  largely  into  its  manu- 
facture, and  also  the  vegetable  substances,  indigenous  to  Mexico  and  parts  of 
Texas  in  the  same  latitudes,  which  have  in  recent  years  been  pronounced  by 
science  as  peculiarly  fitted  for  making  paper,  are  in  such  abundance,  that 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES. 


naught  but  capitalized  enterprise  is  required  to  make  the  city,  //V  paper  manu- 
facturing center  of  the  South  and  the  peer  of  any  in  the  entire  country. 

But  lack  of  space  forbids  the  further  enumeration  of  the  productive1  inter- 
ests that  can  be  established  here  with  the  positive  assurance  of  rapidly  devel- 
oping a  superlative  degree  of  success.  Suffice  that  Austin  has  been  fully 
endowed  by  Nature  with  every  pre-requisite  essential  to  the  full  maturing  'of 
every  line  of  industry  coming  within  the  entire  range  of  human  skill  and  enter- 
prise, and  it  remains  for  man  alone  to  take  hold  of  these  advantages  and  make 
the  city  a  vast  aggregation^  talent,  capital,  mechanical  comprehend  veness  and 
immense  resources  of  construction  and  production.  The  task  has  been 
undertaken,  and  considerable  headway  upon  the  noble  work  has  been  made  by 
the  brave  hearts  now  engaged  on  it,  but  a  greater  force  is  necessary  to  com- 
plete it  in  all  its  fullness  and  perfect  symmetry  of  design.  Will  fresh  spirits 
and  vigorous  hands,  armed  with  new  enterprises,  come  into  the  field  to  assist 
in  the  accomplishing  the  grand  results?  The  reward  is  great,  and  the  Capital 
City  of  Texas  says  in  cordial  tones  to  one  and  all  alike,  come !  and  share  in  the 
bounty  of  my  harvest. 

Before  closing  that  portion  of  our  work  devoted  to  the  advantages  of  Aus- 
tin as  a  great  seat  of  commerce  and  manufactures,  it  is  incumbent  upon  us  to 
give,  at  least,  a  brief  notice  of  that  class  of  intersts  which  by  their  vigorous  aid 
in  advancing  business  enterprises  and  promoting  the  general  prosperity  of  the 
city,  have  become  factors  in  its  development  too  important  to  be  ignored  under 
any  circumstances.  We  allude  to  that  class  in  which  are  found  consolidated 
the  higher  order  of  executive  ability,  financial  skill  and  capital,  for  the  pur- 
pose of  facilitating  and  expediting  by  specific  ways  and  means,  business  affairs 
of  every  description  and  the  building  up  and  improving  of  all  the  various  inter- 
ests essential  in  the  betterment  of  a  great  community,  as  for  instance, 

BANKS   AND   BANKERS.  « 

Austin  now  has  three  national  banks  and  two  private  banking  houses, 
namely;  First  National  Bank,  incorporated  in  1872;  State  National  Bank. 
organized  as  the  successor  of  Bremond  &  Co.,  private  bankers,  in  1882.  with  a 
capital  of  $100,000  ;  City  National  Bank,  organized  during  the  past  year  as  suc- 
cessor to  the  private  banking  house  of  A.  P.  Wooldrige,  and  capitalized  to  the 
amount  of  $100,000,  and  J.  H.  Raymond  &  Co.  and  Foster  &  Co.,  German- 
American  Bank. 

These  banking  institutions  represent  an  ample  capital  to  facilitate  the  mi  ce- 
ments of  trade  and  commerce,  and  by  their  judicious  management  and  sound 
integrity  have  secured  a  well  deserved  reputation  in  financial  circles  through- 
out the  country. 

The  principal  other  corporations  that  are  of  special  benefit  to  the  city's 
progress,  are  as  follows : 


48  AUSTIN — HER 


Austin  Savings'  and  Loan  Association.     Incorporated  May  9,  1883. 

Austin  Board  of  Underwriters.     Organized  May,  1872. 

Austin  City  Railroad.  Chartered  1873.  Capital  stock,  $50,000.  (The 
principal  line  of  this  street  railway  extends  from  Union  depot,  on  Congress 
Avenue  to  city  park,  a  distance  of  two  miles). 

Austin  Telephone  Exchange. 

Austin  Gas-light  and  Coal  Company.     Organized  1875. 

Capital  Gas-light  Company.     Chartered  1883. 

City  Water  Company.     Incorporated  1875. 

Capital  State  Fair  Association.     Organized  March  26,  1875. 

Texas  Building  Association.     Organized  December,  1878. 

Travis  County  Road  and  Bridge  Company.  (The  magnificent  iron  bridge 
spanning  the  Colorado  River  at  the  foot  of  Congress  Avenue  and  erected  under 
the  supervision  of  this  corporation,  constitutes  the  finest  specimen  of  bridge 
architecture  south  of  St.  Louis.  It  is  of  the  high  truss  pattern,  having  an 
extreme  length  of  910  feet). 

Southwestern  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company,  and  two  express  com- 
panies— the  Pacific  Express  and  the  Texas  Express. 

There  are  also  quite  a  number  of  benevolent  and  social  organizations  in 
the  city,  to  which  allusion  will  be  made  in  the  closing  pages  of  this  work,  con- 
fined more  strictly  to  those  features  which  have  served  to  spread  abroad,  to 
such  a  remarkable  extent,  Austin's  fame  as  a 

RESIDENCE   CITY, 

and  to  which  subject  we  now  invite  the  reader's  attention. 

Austin's  reputation  as  the  most  beautiful  city  in  Texas  is  in  nowise  an 
exaggeration  of  the  truth.  Viewed  from  the  hills  south  of  the  Colorado  River, 
its  appearance  is  one  of  grandeur  as  the  eye  rests  first  upon  the  most  promi- 
nent features — the  sublime  surroundings  of  Nature's  handiwork,  making 
doubly  conspicuous  that  of  man  in  the  magnificent  buildings  which  adorns 
the  site.  Yet  as  the  gaze  takes  in  the  whole  of  the  scene — the  landscape 
diversified  by  rugged  mountains,  broad  valleys,  high  undulating  prairies,  cul- 
tivated fields  and  primeval  forests,  extending  far  beyond  and  to  the  right  and 
left  of  Capitol  hill ;  the  ornate  public  edifices,  elegant  private  residences,  the 
less  pretentious  dwellings  and  neat  cottages,  built  upon  the  succession  of  rock- 
crowned  hills  overlooking  the  clear  waters  of  the  Colorado — there  is  found 
such  simplicity  and  perfect  harmony  in  its  completeness  as  to  make  it  a  singu- 
larly picturesque  sight  that  never  fails  to  elicit  the  highest  admiration. 

But  these  charms  are  made  even  more  attractive  by  an  acquaintance  with 
the  delightful 

CLIMATE, 

which  is  mild  and  equable  the  year  round,  strongly  suggestive  of  that  of 


TRADE,  COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  49 

Southern  France  and  Italy.  The  atmosphere  combines  much  of  the  softness 
of  that  of  the  gulf  coast,  without  its  humidity,  with  the  salubrity  of  the  elevated 
plains  of  the  northwestern  section  of  the  State.  The  extreme  oppressiveness 
of  summer  so  common  in  more  northern  latitudes,  is  almost  unknown  here. 
Indeed  to  such  an  extent  is  the  climate  modified  by  the  prevailing  southerly 
breezes  from  the  gulf  that  the  absolute  heat,  as  registered  by  the  thermometer 
— which,  however,  rarely  reaches  100  degrees  Fahrenheit — is  not  a  true 
measure  of  the  sensible  heat  in  this  locality.  These  balmy  breezes  from  the 
South  temper  the  winter's  cold  as  well.  The  only  severity  of  weather  felt  in 
winter  to  any  great  extent,  is  that  occasioned  by  the  sudden  blasts  from  the 
regions  of  snow  during  that  season,  called  "  Northers."  But  these  rarely  ex- 
ceed three  days  in  duration,  and  are  only  considered  trying  in  exposed  places 
on  the  open  plains,  and  even  there,  are  -not  more  so,  except  by  contrast  with 
the  prevailing  mild  temperature,  than  the  winter  storms  of  higher  latitudes. 

The  meteorological  records  of  the  late  Dr.  D.  W.  C.  Baker  (for  many  years 
signal  observer  at  Austin),  covering  a  period  of  twenty-five  years,  furnishes 
some  interesting  facts  as  well  as  reliable  information  concerning  the  character 
of  our  climate.  These  records  show  a  total  rainfall  during  twenty-five  years, 
from  1858  to  1882  inclusive,  of  231.55  inches,  being  an  annual  average  of 
33.26  inches.  Though  there  were  some  exceptions  to  the  rule,  September 
ranked  as  the  wettest  month  and  December  as  the  dryest.  The  largest  amount 
of  rain  in  any  one  month  during  the  twenty-five  years,  was  13.84  inches  in 
September,  1874.  The  largest  amount  which  fell  in  any  one  shower,  was 
seven  inches  in  four  hours,  in  August,  1860. 

The  records  also  show  that  in  July,  1860,  had  the  hottest  day  that  occurred 
during  the  twenty-five  years,  the  thermometer  registering  107  degrees.  The 
coldest  day  was  in  January,  1864,  six  degrees  above  zero.  The  thermometer 
only  reached  100  degrees  in  six  years  out  of  the  twenty — between  1862  and 
1882;  and  never  went  lower  than  ten  degrees  above  zero  during  the  twenty- 
five  years,  except  on  the  occasion  mentioned  as  the  coldest  day.  The  average 
annual  temperature  during  the  quarter  of  a  century  thus  placed  on  record, 
was  67.59  degrees. 

The  city  is  regularly  and  handsomely  built,  almost  exclusively  of  the  fine 
limestone  found  in  the  adjacent  hills  in  inexhaustable  quantities.  The  blocks 
are  laid  out  with  the  mathematical  precision  of  checkerboard  squares,  except 
in  the  newer  additions  where  the  irregularity  is  more  in  consequent  with  latter 
day  progress,  and  acts  as  a  relief  for  the  Quaker-like  primness  of  the  older 
portion  of  the  city.  Its  broad,  handsome  thoroughfares  are  well  paved  with 
durable  stone,  and  present  a  neat,  clean  appearance  at  all  times,  the  natural 
system  of  drainage,  by  reason  of  the  favorable  topographical  features,  being 
very  thorough.  The  street  nomenclature  adopted  by  the  founders  of  the  city, 


.50  AUSTIN — HER 


have  been  rigidly  adhered  to.  as  it  embodied  originality  and  good  judgment, 
and  is  pleasing  to  the  taste  and  pride  of  the  country.  The  names  of  streets 
running  north  and  south,  with  the  exception  of  Congress  Avenue,  are  for 
Texas  streams,  and  those  running  east  and  west  for  the  trees  indigenous  to 
Texas.  Rare  common  sense  is  also  displayed  in  house  numbering,  one  hun- 
dred numbers  being  allowed  to  each  block,  regardless  of  the  number  of  lots  or 
houses  it  contains.  On  streets  running  north  and  south,  the  river  is  the  initial 
point,  the  numbers  extending  northward  therefrom,  the  even  numbers  being 
placed  on  the  west  side  and  the  odd  ones  on  the  east  side,  while  on  those  streets 
running  east  and  west.  Congress  Avenue  (which  leads  directly  up  to  the  Capi- 
tol's main  front,  and  is  the  central  dividing  line  of  the  city)  is  the  base,  the 
numbers  extending  each  way  being  the  same,  but  prefixed  by  the  words  "east" 
and  ''west.''  as  for  instance,  No.  563  East  Pecan  Street,  and  No.  563  West 
Pecan  Street.  North  of  Magnolia  Avenue  (the  twentieth  street  north  of  the 
Colorado  River),  however,  Wichita  Street  is  taken  for  the  dividing  line  between 
the  east  and  west  running  numbers,  instead  of  Congress  Avenue,  that  portion 
of  the  city  containing  new  additions  in  which,  by  the  irregularity  of  platting, 
Wichita  Street  is  the  central  line.  The  even  numbers  are  placed  on  the  north 
side,  and  the  odd  ones  on  the  south  side  of  the  eastand  west  bound  streest. 
Tli  is  system  of  numbering  is  the  simplest  that  could  be  devised  and  the 
stranger -experiences  little  or  no  difficulty  in  finding  the  locality  of  any  par- 
ticular street  and  house  number  in  the  city. 

Austin  is  fully  abreast  of  all  other  cities  in  Texas,  and  the  majority  of 
the  greater  one.  of  the  country,  in  the  way  of  internal  improvements  of  the 
advanced  order  of  the  day.  The  admirably  arranged  system  of  water  works 
furnishes  an  ample  supply. of  pure  water,  brought  from  the  clear  running 
Colorado  at  a  distance  sufficiently  removed  to  be  beyond  all  danger  of  con- 
tamination by  the  encroachments  of  civilization  for  years  to  come  ;  and  even 
when  that  period  arrives,  the  inexhaustible  source  of  supply  is  susceptible  of 
improvements  that  will  meet  every  requirement  of  the  future  age. 

The  city  is  well  lighted  with  gas,  there  being  two  well  established  com- 
panies, the  competition  between  which  insures  the  municipality  and  the 
public  generally,  a  plentiful  supply  of  excellent  gas  at  cheap  rates. 

The  steam,  fire  and  the  police  departments  are  thoroughly  systematized 
and  efficient,  affording  reliable  protection  from  fire  and  crime. 

KniVATIeiNAI,   FKATl'UKS. 

I  he    propri'    facilities  for    education    are  always   to   be    regarded   as  lire- 
eminent  among   the   most    important   advantages    necessary    in   advajicing  the 
d  economy  of  any  community  to  the  highest  order  of  perfection.      In  this 
respert  Austin  has  always  held  a  leading  rank  among   Texas   cities,    its  educa- 


TRADE,  COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES. 


51 


tional  opportunities  being   eminently  great   and    continually   growing    mniv 
comprehensive  in  deference  to  the  demands  of  progress. 

As  is  pretty  generally  known  throughout  the  country,  Texas,  by  the 
liberal  policy  of  law-makers  since  its  early  foundation  as  a  Republic,  has 
become  possessed  of  the  most  magnificent  public  school  system  that  is  to  be 
found  in  any  State  of  the  Union,  it  being  endowed  with  33,000,000  acres  of 
land,  which,  together  with  the  cash,  bonds  and  other  investments,  makes  the 
aggregate  value  of  the  permanent  school  fund  to-day  nearly  $100,000,000. 
The  interest  only  of  this  permanent  fund  is  available  for  school  purposes,  but 
that  a  handsome  income  accrues  therefrom  is  to  be  seen  from  the  late  report 
of  the  Department  of  Education,  in  which  the  available  school  fund  for  the 
year  beginning  September  1,  1885,  is  placed  at  $2,232,272.  This  liberal  sys- 
tem of  education  is  further  sustained  by  taxation,  thus  preventing  any  deficits 
which  might  otherwise  occur,  and  insuring  to  every  community  a  thorough 
educational  training  for  its  children. 

Austin's  public  schools  are  well  disciplined  by  competent  trustees  and 
efficient  teachers  and  rank  as  the  most  popular  institutions  of  learning  in 
our  midst.  The  statement  of  their  condition,  as  it  appeared  in  the  late 
report  issued  by  the  Department  of  Education,  though  by  no  means  complete 
(because,  as  is  alleged,  of  failure  on  the  part  of  the  city  school  authorities  to 
send  in  the  statistics  in  full  to  the  Department),  is  nevertheless  important  in 
showing  to  a  partial  extent,  at  least,  the  growth  and  value  of  the  system  here. 
We  give  the  report  thus  furnished  for  the  last  two  scholastic  years, 
and  1883-84,  as  follows  : 


a>^ 

No. 
Schools. 

No.  Pupils 
Enrolled. 

31  „* 

II  , 

>  O 

Scho 

l;iti< 

by 

tistic  Popu-       Stale  Ap- 
n  ri'porti-d          portinn- 
Assessor>.              ini'iit. 

l'ai<r!'i>ach- 

rrs,  i'tc.,  1)V 

City. 

Scholastic 

^•"S 

Year. 

OB 

•a 

•a 

cc 

| 

d 

_: 

t 

0 

"3 

1 

0 

"5 

C 

g 

Amount. 

Amount. 

> 

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1,610                  7.2  1:. 

UNIVERSITY    OF   TEXAS. 

The  superior  facilities  for  education  afforded  by  the  Texas  public  school 
system  in  the  ordinary  course,  embracing  the  primary,  grammar  and  high 
school  grades,  are  supplemented  by  a  collegiate  course  in  the  University  of 
Texas,  which  institution — the  crowning  glory  of  our  common  school  system- 
very  properly  was  located  at  the  Capital  City.  This  magnificent  institute  of 
higher  learning,  designed  to  be  the  peer  of  any  in  the  whole  land  in  magni- 
tude and  thoroughness  of  capacity  for  educational  training,  as  it  is  now  the 


52  AUSTIN — HER 


equal  in  point  of  munificence  of  endowment,  was  first  opened  for  the  matricu- 
lation of  students  September  15,  1883.  Its  benefits  are  free  to  all  who  desire 
to  avail  themselves  of  its  advantages — male  and  female  alike — barring  the 
colored  race,  for  whom,  however,  a  branch  institute  fully  the  equal  in  every 
respect,  is  to  be  erected,  measures  for  its  early  erection  having  already  been 
adopted. 

The  University  grounds  are  situated  on  College  Hill,  a  beautiful  eminence 
just  north  of  Capitol  Hill,  between  San  Marcos  and  Lampasas  Streets.  This 
healthy  site,  shaded  with  cedar,  is  strikingly  grand,  while  the  surrounding 
landscape,  as  viewed  from  the  upper  windows  of  the  University  building, 
almost  surpasses  description,  so  peculiarly  harmonious  are  the  blendings  of  its 
seemingly  ever-changing  scenes  replete  with  varied  charms.  The  endowment 
of  the  University  consists  of  1,219,900  acres  of  the  public  domain,  and  cash, 
land  notes  and  State  bonds  amounting  to  $523,156.30  (according  to  the  last 
annual  report  of  the  Treasurer  of  the  State),  which  constitutes  a  permanent 
fund.  The  annual  resources  of  the  University,  arising  from  the  rental  of  its 
lands  and  the  interest  on  its  invested  securities,  approximates  now  about 
$85,000.  This  income,  however  handsome  though  it  is,  is  not  sufficient  to 
complete  the  entire  designs  of  the  University  and  support  it  as  an  institution 
of  the  highest  educational  standard  dispensing  its  privileges  free  to  the  young 
men  and  women  of  Texas.  But  it  is  confidently  expected  that  the  State  will 
promptly  meet  its  requirements  with  further  appropriations,  in  order  that  the 
noble  work  thus  auspiciously  begun  may  achieve  the  grandest  possible  success. 

The  Agricultural  and  Mechanical  College,  located  near  Bryan,  Brazos 
County,  is  a  branch  of  the  University,  which,  in  addition  to  its  proportion  of 
the  University  fund,  is  endowed  with  $209,000  in  State  bonds,  the  proceeds  of 
the  land  grant  *  of  180,000  acres  to  Texas  by  the  United  States  government, 
under  the  act  of  Congress  authorizing  the  establishment  and  maintainance  of 
such  colleges  in  the  various  States  of  the  Union.  Its  progress  as  a  technical 
school  is  highly  gratifying  to  the  people,  and  there  are  flattering  indications 
that  future  development  will  cause  it  to  rank  among  the  most  prominent  insti- 
tutions of  the  kind  in  America. 

The  Medical  Branch  of  the  University  will  be  located  in  Galveston,  that 
city  presenting  greater  advantages  for  clinical  instruction  than  any  other  point 
in  the  State.  With  these  two  exceptions,  all  other  branches  will  be  established 
at  Austin,  the  seat  of  the  main  institution. 

Austin  is  also  well  supplied  with  private  educational  institutes,  which  are 
very  efficient  and  are  liberally  sustained. 

RELIGIOUS 

privileges  are  also  dispensed  most  liberally  in  the  Capital  City,  and  are  highly 
appreciated.     A  score  of  church  edifices  grace  the  city,  adding  materially  to  its 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES. 


architectural  beauties,  as  well  as  contributing  largely  to  the  improvement  of  its 
moral  tone.  Methodist,  Baptist,  Presbyterian,  Episcopal,  Roman  Catholic, 
Christian,  Lutheran  and  Hebrew  denominations  are  largely  represented,  and 
work  with  harmonious  accord  for  the  betterment  of  society.  And  it  may  be 
truthfully  said  that  the  society  of  Austin  exhibits,  to  a  marked  extent,  the 
highest  type  of  culture,  grace  and  intelligence.  Cosmopolitan  in  tastes  and 
exceedingly  tolerant  in  spirit,  the  utmost  cordiality  prevails  among  all  classes, 
inspiring  the  stranger  at  once  with  confidence  in  the  genuineness  of  the  fellow- 
ship displayed. 

These  characteristics  are,  furthermore,  continually  developing  through  the 
influence  of  the  many  different  social  and  benevolent  organizations  existing  in 
the  city.  The  various  orders  represented  embrace  the  Masonic  order,  Odd  Fel- 
lows, Knights  of  Honor,  Knights  of  Pythias,  Legion  of  Honor,  Ancient  Order 
of  United  Workmen,  Knights  of  Labor,  B'nai  Brith,  Texas  Veteran  Associa- 
tion, Temperance  Union,  and  many  other  fraternal  organizations  of  high 
standing  in  every  city  of  the  Union.  That  the  numerical  strength  of  their 
membership  in  the  aggregate  is  very  great,  is  to  be  seen  in  the  fact  that  there 
are  upwards  of  fifty  distinct  lodges  and  societies  in  the  city.  Besides  these 
civic  bodies,  there  are  three  military  organizations  —  the  Austin's  Grays  j 
(Infantry),  Travis  Light  Artillery,  and  the  Austin  City  Rifles  (Colored 
Infantry). 

But  not  the  least  of  Austin's  attractions  as  a  residence  city,  are  those  due 
to  the  greatness  thrust  upon  it  by  having  been  selected  by  the  State  as  its 

SEAT   OF   GOVERNMENT. 

This  fact  alone  has  been  sufficient  to  make  it  the  center  of  many  influ- 
ences of  great  weight  in  elevating  its  intellectual,  moral  and  social  standard. 
The  excitement  natural  from  its  being  the  political  center  of  the  State  adds 
zest  to  life,  and  by  the  contrast  serves  to  make  the  quiet  home  charms  all  the 
more  delightful. 

The  beneficial  influence  upon  Austin  through  its  prominence  as  the  Capi- 
tal is  especially  marked  in  the  growing  interest  manifested  by  its  people  in  the 
architectural  improvement  of  the  city,  and  which  is  not  more  conspicuously 
displayed  in  structures  for  business  and  public  purposes  generally,  than  in  res- 
idences, even  of  the  humblest  character,  and  the  beautifying  of  their  surround- 
ings. This  laudable  ambition,  which  is  at  once  a  strong  indication  of  a 
natural  refinement,  and  an  earnest  desire  to  cultivate  the  love  of  the  beautiful 
to  the  highest  degree  of  excellence,  is  largely  fostered  and  encouraged  by  the 
Government,  which  in  the  character  and  design  of  the 

STATE   BUILDINGS 

already  erected,  and  those  in  course  of  construction,  and  contemplated,  has 
exhibited  wise  forethought  and  broad  judgment,  combined  with  a  correct 


.">4  Aivnx — HER 


knowledge  of  the  architectural  re(juireinents  of  the  age,  a  just  appreciation  of 
the  value  of  the  advances  made  in  the  science  of  building  on  the  present,  and 
an  excellent  conception  of  the  influence  its  progress  will  have  on  the  future  of 
the  American  people,  that  is  worthy  of  emulation  by  individuals,  corporations 
and  governments  in  all  sections  of  the  country. 

The  State  Institution  for  the  Blind,  the  Insane  Asylum,  the  Deaf  and 
Dumb  Asylum,  the  main  University  building,  and  the  Central  Land  Office,  are 
State  edifices  which  reflect  credit  upon  Texas,  and  are  prominent  among  the 
architectural  adornments  of  the  Capital,  and  which,  together  with  the  Travis 
County  Court  House,  and  the  United  States  Government  Building  (both  hand- 
some edifices  of  recent  construction),  are  objects  of  special  interest  to  visitors. 

But  the  crown  piece  of  Austin's  future  glory  as  a  city  of  magnificent  edi- 
fices, will  be  found  in  the 

CAPITOL   BUILDING, 

now  in  course  of  erection  on  Capitol  Hill,  and  upon  which  Texas  is  expending 
lavish  wealth  and  every  effort  that  architectural  skill  and  constructive  genius 
can  contribute,  to  make  it  a  fitting  emblem  of  the  greatness  and  grandeurs  of 
this  immense  State,  a  monument  to  its  wonderful  progress  in  the  first  half 
century  of  its  existence  as  a  member  of  the  Union  Sisterhood,  and  a  time- 
el  idui  ing  evidence  of  American  achievements  in  the  work  of  higher  civili/a- 
tion.  When  complete,  the  Texas  State  Capitol  will  have  nl#nlutdy  no  peer  in 
the  entire  count  vy  except  the  Capitol  of  the  United  States,  and  will  rank  in  all 
respects  as  one  of  the  finest  structures  in  the  world.  The  design,  combining  as 
it  does,  all  the  essential  elements  of  proportion,  dignity,  six.e.  adaptabilitv.  and 
modern  improvement,  is  conceded  by  every  competent  judge  to  be  a  fair  reflex 
of  the  enlightenment  of  our  age. 

The  Commissioners'  description  of  the  building,  however,  will  enable  our 
readers  to  form  a  clearer  conception  of  the  splendid  structure  when  complete, 
and  which  in  substance  is  as  follows : 

••  It  i.-  located  on  the  commanding  elevation,  known  as  Capitol  Hill,  near 
the  center  of  the  city,  and  in  the  square  originally  selected  for  the  capitol  of 

the  republic  of  Texas.  The  north  front  rests  on  Peach  Street,  facing  University 
II  ill,  and  the  mountainous  background  to  the  left  and  rear:  the  east  and  west 
wings  front  on  Colorado  and  Brazos  Streets  respectively,  while  the  south,  stand- 
ing at  right  angles  with  Congress  Avenue,  and  parallel  with  MesMuite  Street, 
overlooking  the  river  and  the  evergreen  hills  beyond,  presents  ;t  view  of  snr- 
].a  — in<:  beauty. 

"The  style  of  architecture  is  classic,  with  modern  treatment,  the  outlines 
being  suiliciently  broken  to  give  stately  appearance  and  to  secure  proper  con- 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  55 

trusts  of  light  and  shade.  Tins  various  combinations  of  scientific  principle  art- 
employed  to  combine  that  simplicity,  harmony  and  grandeur  which  alone  is 
approved  by  cultured  taste. 

"  The  dimensions,  at  greatest  measure,  are  fiix^  feet  long  by  28S  feet  10 
inches  wide.  The  building  is  three  stories  in  height  above  the  basement, 
besides  a  fourth  or  central  story,  running  from  the  north  to  the  south  pedi- 
ment. 

"  Of  all  similar  structures  in  America,  it  is  second  in  size  only  to  the 
National  Capitol  at  Washington,  D.  C.,  and  is  larger  and  finer  than  the  German 
Reichstag  or  English  Parliament  buildings.  The  provisions  for  the  executive, 
legislative  and  judicial  departments,  including  educational,  agricultural, 
geological,  military,  historical  and  other  appointments,  are  ample  and  com- 
plete. The  entire  structure  will  rest  on  solid  rock.  The  foundation  walls  will 
be  six  feet  eight  inches  thick;  those  for  the  dome  seven  feet  four  inches  thick 
— all  to  be  made  of  dimension  stone  dressed,  and  laid  in  cement.  The  exten- 
sive system  of  pipes  and  appliances  for  sewerage,  ventilation,  steam-heating, 
water,  gas  and  electricity,  is  embedded  in  the  limestone  beneath  and  enclosed 
in  mortar. 

"  The  basement  story  extends  sufficiently  above  the  grade-line  to  insure 
natural  ventilation  and  sun-lighting.  The  water-table  is  a  belt  of  red  Texas 
granite,  five  feet  deep,  extending  the  entire  circumference  of  the  building,  cut 
in  two  sections  and  finished  with  wash  and  ovolo,  or  Grecian  moulding.  The 
ashlar  work  is  square  rustic,  sand-rubbed,  illustrated  with  carved  cap,  mould, 
dentil  and  modillion.  Massive  pilasters,  consisting  of  pedestal,  band  and  Muted 
monolith,  extend  throughout  the  second  and  third  stories,  a  feature  at  once 
elegant  and  imposing.  These  columns  are  crowned  with  rich  Corinthian  capi- 
tals, and  sustain  an  entablature  composed  of  architrave,  frieze  and  cornice, 
appropriately  embellished,  and  which,  in  turn,  is  surmounted  with  balustrade, 
pavillion  and  urn.  Each  of  the  cut  stone  pediments  that  adorn  the  four  fronts 
enclose  the  Lone  Star,  made  of  heavy  plate  glass,  secured  in  the  masonry,  and 
so  ground  that  the  light,  natural  or  artificial  will  show  distinctly  the  shape  of 
that  emblem.  The  iron  roof  truss  ai}d  plan  seem  the  perfection  of  mechanical 
engineering;  while  the  minutije  of  construction  and  combination  of  materials 
— slate,  cement,  glass  and  metals — are  all  that  could  reasonably  be  desired. 

"Towering  above  all  is  the  great  dome,  which,  with  the  triumphal  arch 
over  the  south  entrance,  are  thu  distinctive  features  of  the  design.  The  tholo- 
bate,  or  base  of  dome  superstructure,  is  about  130  feet  above  the  basement 
floor.  At  the  height  of  156  feet  is  the  base  of  the  colonnade  formed  around 
the  rotunda  by  huge  bron/e  columns,  enclosing  an  open-air  promenade  inferior 
to  nothing  on  the  continent.  Still  above,  at  180  feet,  and  again  at  the  apex  of 
the  dome,  around  the  foot  of  the  lantern,  250  feet  high,  are  circular  balusters. 


56  AUSTIN — HER 


securing  open  balconies,  which  are  reached  from  the  winding  stairway  within 
the  cupola. 

"The  arrangements  throughout  the  several  stories,  of  departments,  offices, 
halls,  courts,  libraries,  corridors,  business  rooms,  vaults,  closets,  elevators,  stair- 
ways, railings,  ceilings  and  pendants,  are  as  unique  as  they  are  practical  and 
complete.  Almost  all  the  rooms  have  direct  sunlight  during  some  portion  of 
the  day.  Perfect  ventilation  is  secured  by  mechanical  process,  which  expels  all 
vitiated  air,  and  supplies  the  vacuum  continuously  with  fresh  currents,  by 
means  of  ducts  for  that  purpose. 

"  The  first  story  contains  accommodations  for  the  Governor's  office  and 
apartments,  five  rooms ;  Secretary  of  State's  office  and  apartments,  five  rooms  ; 
Attorney  General's  office  and  apartments,  five  rooms ;  Comptroller's  office  and 
apartments,  eleven  rooms ;  Treasurer's  office  and  apartments,  four  rooms ; 
Statistics,  office  and  apartments,  three  rooms;  Agriculture,  office  and  apart- 
ments, three  rooms;  Education,  office  and  apartments,  three  rooms;  Adjutant- 
General's  office  and  apartments,  three  rooms ;  Geological  Department,  office, 
three  rooms ;  Police  and  Janitor's  office  and  apartments,  three  rooms ;  Treas- 
urer's vault  and  safe,  one  room ;  Secretary  of  State's  vault,  one  room  ;  Comp- 
troller's vault,  three  rooms. 

"  All  the  above  rooms  are  arranged  en  suite,  and  are  relatively  of  proper 
dimensions. 

"  In  the  second  story,  east  of  the  central  dome  is  located  the  Senate  Chamber, 
72  by  76  feet,  capable  of  conveniently  accommodating  118  members.  Surround- 
ing this  room  are  convenient  cloak-rooms,  lobbies  and  toilet-rooms.  There  are 
also  in  this  section  of  the  building  two  Lieutenant-Governor's  rooms,  one 
enrolling  clerk's  room,  one  engrossing  room,  twelve  committee  rooms  and  one 
postoffice. 

"  West  of  the  central  dome  is  located  the  Hall  of  Representatives,  76  by  96 
feet,  capable  of  accommodating  about  240  members.  This  hall  is  likewise 
surrounded  by  convenient  cloak-rooms,  lobbies  and  toilet-rooms.  There  are 
also  two  speaker's  rooms,  one  enrolling  clerk's  room  and  one  engrossing  room. 

"  South  of  the  dome  in  the  center  of  the  building  is  the  Governor's  state 
room  (to  be  used  also  for  a  portrait  gallery),  and  north  of  the  dome  is  the  State 
library,  122  by  64  feet,  which  room  is  connected  by  a  private  stairway  with 
the  law  library  above. 

"  The  third  story  contains  the  galleries  of  the  Senate  Chamber  and  Hall  of 
Representatives,  one  Supreme  Courtroom,  one  Appellate  Courtroom  (each  37 
by  68  feet),  one  law  library,  22 £  by  48  feet,  two  court  clerks'  offices,  nine  judges' 
rooms,  two  marshal's  rooms,  sixteen  committee  rooms,  one  janitor's  room  and 
toilet-rooms. 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  57 

"The  fourth  story  contains  nine  rooms  which  may  be  advantageously  used 
for  committee  rooms  or  for  other  useful  purposes." 

All  the  granite  and  marble,  and  much  of  the  oilier  material  centering 
into  the  construction  of  the  building,  is  of  Texas  product,  and  prepared  for 
use  in  the  State.  To  defray  the  cost  of  building,  3,050,000  acres  of  the  public 
domain  were  set  apart  by  an  act  of  legislature,  February  20, 187!).  This  reser- 
vation, which  lies  in  that  section  of  the  State  known  as  the  Panhandle,  the 
counties  comprising  it  being  as  yet  unorganized,  was  transferred  to  a  Chicago 
syndicate,  in  consideration  of  the  new  Capitol  being  erected  complete.  The 
cost,  it  has  been  discovered,  will  greatly  exceed  the  original  calculations  of 
these  capitalists,  but  the  work  of  construction  is  nevertheless  rapidly  progress- 
ing, and  its  early  completion  is  assured,  possibly  in  time  for  inauguration  dur- 
ing the  fiftieth  anniversary  year  of  Texas'  freedom  from  Mexican  rule. 

Having  briefly  traced  the  rise  and  progress  of  Austin  from  an  insignifi- 
cant hamlet  of  three  families  only,  on  the  very  outskirts  of  civilization  less 
than  fifty  years  ago,  to  its  present  magnificent  stage  in  which  it  is  the  Capital 
City  of  the  greatest  State  in  the  Union,  the  seat  of  rare  intelligence,  culture 
and  wealth,  and  one  of  the  most  progressive  centers  of  trade,  commerce  and 
manufactures  in  the  South,  having  unrivaled  advantages  for  establishing  its 
greater  distinction  as  such  in  the  near  future,  it  is  made  clearly  evident  that 
while  much  of  its  prominence  is  due  to  the  greatness  thrust  upon  it  by  the 
people  at  large  having  declared  it  tr^  permanent  habitat  of  government,  to  its 
own  citizens  belongs  the  credit  of  developing  the  more  substantial  elements 
of  its  present  and  prospective  prosperity.  It  is,  therefore,  but  just  and  proper 
that  the  well  earned  meed  of  praise  should  be  rendered  to  the  energetic  spirits 
whose  industry,  skill,  courage  and  vim  is  utilized  solely  in  the  interest  of 
Austin's  advancement  as  a  city  capable  of  conferring  the  most  desirable  bene- 
fits upon  mankind  through  its  power  in  trade  and  industrial  channels.  The 
record  they  have  made  is  a  particularly  bright  one,  in  the  delineation  of  which 
it  affords  great  gratification  to  be  able  to  devote  the  remaining  pages  of  our 
work  in  behalf  of  the  Capital  City.  This  most  interesting  feature  we  now 
present  to  our  readers  under  the  caption  of 

REPRESENTATIVE  BUSINESS  ENTERPRISES  OF  AUSTIN. 


P.  H.  GERHARD — DEALER  IN  ALL  KINDS  OF  HARDWARE,  MACHINERY,  ETC.; 
503  AND  505  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

This  house  was  established  six  years  ago,  and  has  built  up  a  large  and 
lucrative  trade  and  attained  a  popularity  second  to  no  similar  institution  in 
the  city.  The  building  occupied  is  a  two  story  brick,  with  basement,  well 
located,  conveniently  arranged,  with  elevator  and  other  facilities  for  the  easy 


58  AUSTIN— HER 


handling  of  goods,  and  covering  an  area  of  32x128  feet.  The  stock  carried 
consists  of  a  full  line  of  heavy  and  shelf  hardware,  iron,  barb  wire,  rope, 
machinery  and  agricultural  implements  of  all  kinds,  wagons,  etc.  The 
machinery  handled  is  of  the  best  make  and  includes  some  of  the  most  popu- 
lar brands,  and,  as  Mr.  Gerhard  deals  directly  with  the  manufacturers,  he  is 
able  to  sell  at  factory  prices,  thus  saving  his  customers  many  dollars  in  the 
way  of  freights.  He  is  agent  for  the  "  Old  Hickory,"  "  Luking,"  and  "  Bain  " 
wagon,  all  of  which  are  famous  for  excellence  of  work  and  material,  and 
completeness  in  every  respect.  He  makes  a  specialty  of  the  Weir  plow,  an 
implement  in  which  are  combined  more  good  qualities  than  in  any  other  one 
plow  made,  and  of  which  he  sells  large  numbers  every  year.  Mr.  Gerhard 
has  a  large  trade,  extending  over  a  wide  scope  of  territory,  and  aggregating 
many  thousands  of  dollars  annually.  He  pays  the  closest  attention  to  busi- 
ness, buying  his  stock  carefully  and  judiciously,  and  taking  advantage  of 
every  opportunity  that  will  enable  him  to  offer  the  best  goods  at  the  lowest 
prices.  He  is  upright  and  liberal  in  all  his  dealings,  and  the  uniform  cour- 
tesy and  kindness  which  he  extends  to  all  who  visit  his  establishment  make 
it  one  of  the  most  pleasant,  as  well  as  one  of  the  most  profitable  in  the  city 
with  which  to  establish  business  relations.  This  house  is  cordially  recom- 
mended to  our  readers  as  worthy  their  most  generous  confidence  and  support. 

SMITH  &  BRADY — MANUFACTURERS  AND  DEALERS  IN  BOOTS  AND   SHOES; 
217  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

In  a  review  of  the  commercial  and  industrial  institutions  of  a  city,  those 
firms  are  entitled  to  special  mention  which  have,  from  small  beginnings,  grown 
to  prominence,  and  whose  success  is  due  to  the  pluck,  energy  and  business 
capacity  which  have  characterized  their  management.  Among  the  firms  of 
this  kind  in  the  city,  Messrs.  Smith  &  Brady,  217  East  Pecan  Street,  are  deserv- 
ing of  special  mention.  This  firm  began  business  here  nine  years  ago  in  a 
small  way,  and  by  good  management  and  thorough,  progressive  enterprise 
they  have  built  up  a  trade,  extended  their  business,  increased  their  stock,  until 
to-day,  they  have  one  of  the  largest  and  most  completely  stocked  boot  and 
shoe  houses  in  the  city,  and  have  a  trade  which  extends  throughout  the  city 
and  surrounding  country,  aggregating  $30,000  per  annum.  They  carry  a  full 
and  carefully  selected  stock  of  boots  and  shoes,  embracing  everything  in  that 
line,  from  llie  finest  kid  slipper  to  the  heaviest  riding  boot,  and  including  the 
finest  brands  of  goods  known  to  the  trade.  In  the  manufacturing  department 
are  engaged  a  number  of  skillful  workmen,  who  make  to  order  boots  and 
shoes  of  all  kinds.  Messrs.  B.  H.  Smith  and  W.  B.  Brady,  who  compose  the 
personnel  of  the  firm,  are  both  practical  shoemakers  of  long  experience,  and 
understanding  the  business  thoroughly,  they  employ  only  first-class  workmen, 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND  INDUSTRIES.  59 

and  turn  out  nothing  but  first-class  work.  Every  boot  or  shoe  made  to  order 
by  them  is  warranted  to  fit  and  guaranteed  to  give  satisfaction  in  every  par- 
ticular. The  building  occupied  by  this  establishment  is  a  two  story  structure, 
covering  an  area  of  23x80  feet.  The  lower  story  is  used  for  a  salesroom,  and 
the  upper  for  the  manufacturing  department.  The  building  is  conveniently 
located  and  well  arranged  for  the  business  for  which  it  is  used.  Messrs.  Smith 
&  Brady  are  honest  and  upright  business  men,  fair  and  liberal  in  dealing,  and 
are  gentlemen  of  genial  manners  and  courteous  address.  This  house  is  cheer- 
fully recommended  to  our  readers  as  worthy  their  most  generous  confidence 
and  patronage. 

AUSTIN  GAS  LIGHT  AND  COAL  COMPANY— S.  WATTS,  PRES.;  J.  W. 
PARKER,  VICE-PRES.;  A.  E.  JUDGE,  SEC.  AND  SUPT.;  E.  T.  EGGLESTON, 
TREAS.;  OFFICE  AT  WORKS,  CORNER  LIVE  OAK  AND  COLORADO  STREETS  ; 
OFFICE  OF  SECRETARY,  105  LIVE  OAK  STREET. 

It  is  of  the  first  importance  that  the  gas  by  which  every  city  is  lighted  should 
be  of  the  best  quality  and  made  from  the  purest  coal,  and  Austin  may  boast  of 
as  complete  a  system  of  gas  works  as  any  city  of  its  size  in  the  country.  Their 
works  are  located  at  the  corner  of  Live  Oak  and  Colorado  Streets,  and  contain 
all  the  most  improved  and  modern  apparatus  for  the  manufacture  of  gas. 
Besides  this,  they  keep  on  hand  a  large  stock  of  coal,  coke,  coal  tar  and  gas 
fitting  materials.  It  is  scarcely  necessary  to  add,  that  buying  their  coal  in 
immense  quantities  and  enjoying  the  concessions  usually  given  to  gas  compa- 
nies they  can  put  the  price  of  gas,  coke  and  tar  at  reduced  rates.  They  are 
also  prepared  to  take  contracts  for  gas  fitting  and  plumbing  in  all  its  branches, 
and  employing  only  skillful  and  experienced  workmen  to  guarantee  satisfac- 
tion. Their  officers  are  all  gentlemen  of  high  standing  and  well-known  busi- 
ness capacity,  and  in  their  hands  the  interests  of  the  company  are  well  guarded 
and  advanced.  All  communications  should  be  addressed  to  Mr.  A.  E.  Judge, 
Secretary  and  Superintendent,  who  will  give  them  prompt  attention. 

A.  H.  ACHILLES — WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  GROCERIES  AND  FEED  ;  201  WEST 
PECAN  STREET. 

Conspicuous  among  the  grocery  establishments  of  the  Capital  City  is  that 
of  Mr.  A.  H.  Achilles,  located  at  201  West  Pecan  Street,  opposite  the  post  office. 
This  gentleman  carries  one  of  the  largest  and  finest  stocks  of  staple  and  fancy 
groceries,  embracing  all  the  best  grades  of  flour,  sugar,  tea,  coffee,  spices, 
canned  goods,  etc.,  that  can  be  found  in  the  city.  He  also  deals  in  all  kinds 
of  ieed  and  country  produce  of  every  description,  and  his  prices  are  as  low  as 
those  of  any  of  his  contemporaries.  He  is  constantly  replenishing  his  stock, 
thus  keeping  it  fresh  at  all  times.  Besides  his  large  retail  trade  in  the  city,  he 


60  AUSTIN — HER 


has  an  extensive  wholesale  trade  which  extends  all  over  the  entire  State,  and 
the  dealers  and  merchants  throughout  the  surrounding  country,  who  have  not 
formed  the  acquaintance  of  this  house,  will  find  that  relations  entered  into  with 
it  will  prove  profitable  to  them  and  of  a  pleasant  and  enduring  character. 
Orders  from  abroad  receive  the  promptest  attention  and  goods  are  delivered  to 
any  part  of  the  city  free  of  charge.  Mr.  Achilles,  the  sole  proprietor  of  this 
business,  is  an  energetic  business  man,  prompt  in  all  his  business  transactions, 
and  well  deserves  the  large  patronage  he  is  receiving. 

TuM  MURRAH — LAND  AND  REAL  ESTATE  AGENT;  ROOMS  8  AND  9,  SECOND 
FLOOR,  MASONIC  TEMPLE. 

Our  real  estate  men  are  numbered  by  the  score.  Some  are  of  many  years 
experience,  while  others  are  but  novices  in  the  business,  and  not  well  acquainted 
with  the  value  of  property,  or  the  practical  methods  to  be'  pursued  to  conduct 
it  properly.  Mr.  Murrah  has  for  a  number  of  years  been  connected  with  the 
land  and  real  estate  business,  and  has  a  very  extensive  experience  in  this  line. 
His  facilities  for  buying,  selling,  and  exchanging  real  estate  are  unsurpassed, 
and  his  list  of  property  on  hand  is  extensive  and  varied.  His  energy,  accuracy 
and  promptness  to  his  patrons'  interests  has  eminently  qualified  him  to  do 
justice  to  those  who  entrust  their  business,  to  his  care.  He  devotes  his  personal 
attention  to  all  business  transactions,  a  feature  to  which  he  is  largely  indebted 
for  his  present  success.  In  depicting  the  leading  representatives  of  each 
branch  of  industry,  it  affords  us  no  little  pleasure  to  mention  the  well-known 
house  of  Tom  Murrah.  The  readers  of  this  volume  abroad  having  real  estate 
interests  in  Austin,  or  desirous  of  investment,  should  not  fail  to  take  advantage 
of  the  extensive  experience  of  this  establishment. 

CARL  MAYER — JEWELER;  612  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Among  the  most  attractive  mercantile  establishments  of  our  principal 
business  thoroughfares,  those  devoted  to  the  display  of  the  various  articles  for 
utility  and  ornament  embraced  in  the  comprehensive  classification  of  jewelry, 
undoubtedly  claim  precedence,  appealing  as  they  do  to  refined  taste  and 
a'sthetic  instincts  of  all  classes  of  the  community.  One  of  the  largest  and 
must  favorably  known  emporiums  of  this  classjn  the  city  of  Austin  is  that 
of  Mr.  Carl  Mayer,  located  on  Congress  Avenue,  where,  in  a  commodious  and 
handsomely  arranged  salesroom,  are  displayed,  in  almost  bewildering  profu- 
sion, importm  and  American  watches,  elegant  clocks,  diamonds  and  precious 
stones  in  a  variety  of  settings,  spectacles,  eye-glasses,  opera  glasses,  dentistry 

g Is  silver  and  (dated  ware,  and  fine  jewelry  of  every  description  of  modern 

and   fashionable  styles  and  designs.     This  house  was  established  about  seven 
year-  jigo.  and  each  succeeding  year  has  witnessed  a  gratifying  increase  to  its 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND    INDUSTRIES.  61 

trade,  and  to-day  it  ranks  as  one  of  the  finest  establishments  in  the  State. 
Special  attention  is  devoted  to  repairing  watches  by  skilled  workmen  thor- 
oughly familiar  with  the  delicate  mechanism  of  the  various  manufactures  of 
Europe  and  America,  and  to  repairing  fine  jewelry  in  the  most  thorough  and 
workmanly  manner.  Mr.  Carl  Mayer,  the  present  proprietor,  is  a  skillful 
workman  himself,  and  by  a  lifetime  experience  has  acquired  a  thorough 
knowledge  of  the  business.  In  conclusion,  we  will  state  that  the  facilities 
enjoyed  by  this  house  enable  it  to  favorably  compete  with  other  contemporary 
concerns,  both  in  price  and  quality ;  and  those  interested  will  find  it  to  their 
advantage  and  profit  to  enter  into  business  relations  with  the  house  of  Carl 
Mayer. 

R.  L.  BROWN — INVESTING  AGENT. 

Mr.  Brown  commenced  here  in  1883,  and  since  establishing  himself  has 
done  a  large  and  constantly  increasing  business  which  extends  throughout  the 
city  and  State,  amounting  last  year  to  several  hundred  thousand  dollars.  Mr. 
Brown  is  prepared  to  make  loans  to  any  amount,  and  combines  with  this  the 
law  and  conveyance  business  in  all  its  branches.  He  is  a  gentleman  well- 
known  in  Austin,  and  is  by  long  experience  well  fitted  for  his  present  business. 
All  information  regarding  his  business  is  cheerfully  given,  and  parties  here 
and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  call  on  him. 

AVENUE   HOTEL — CONGRESS  AVENUE,  LARGEST,  BEST  AND   MOST  CENTRAL 
HOTEL  IN  THE  CITY;  D.  M.  WILSON,  PROPRIETOR.. 

Undoubtedly  the  most  comfortable,  homelike,  and  best  fitted  out  hotel  in 
Austin  is  the  well  known  "  Avenue  Hotel "  whose  name  heads  our  article. 
This  hotel  has  been  in  existence  for  25  years;  and  during  that  time  has  always 
been  the  favorite  resort  of  travelers  coming  to  Austin.  Its  appointments  are  in 
every  respect  first-class,  including  all  the  modern  improvements,  such  as  elec- 
tric bells,  annunciators,  bathrooms,  billiard  tables,  and  restaurant,  and  the 
entire  building  is  illuminated  by  electric  light.  There  also  are  sample  rooms 
for  commercial  travelers.  From  125  to  150  guests  can  be  accommodated  with- 
out crowding.  The  table  is  spread  with  only  the  best  that  the  market  affords  ; 
and  the  kitchen  is  under  the  special  charge  of  one  of  the  best  cooks  in  the  State. 
The  admirable  location  and  reasonable  terms  of  the  "  Avenue  Hotel "  render  it 
altogether  one  of  the  most  desirable  stopping  places  in  Texas.  Mr.  D.  M.  Wil- 
son, who  has  recently  assumed  charge,  is  a  gentleman  well  known  in  business 
and  social  circles ;  and  has  had  an  extensive  experience  as  a  caterer  to  the  pub- 
lic. Under  his  efficient  management,  the  "  Avenue  Hotel "  will,  no  doubt,  sus- 
tain and  increase  its  already  well  established  reputation  as  one  of  the  best 
hotels  in  the  Capital  City,  or  the  State  of  Texas. 


62  AUSTIN — HER 


AUSTIN  ICE  FACTORY— JOE  BRUNET,  PROPRIETOR. 

The  above  house  was  established  in  1869,  and  has  ever  since  done  a  flour- 
ishing business.  Located  in  a  large  commodious  building  near  the  Houston  & 
Texas  Central  Railroad,  with  ample  facilities  and  a  large  number  of  efficient 
hands.  His  daily  capacity  is  now  seventeen  tons  and  will  probably  be  increased 
the  coming  season.  His  trade  is  mostly  located  in  the  city,  but  he  is  ready  at 
all '  times  to  send  supplies  abroad.  Three  engines,  two  of  40  and  one  of  50 
horse-power ;  and  one  150  horse-power  boiler,  and  three  ice  machines  are  em- 
ployed in  the  manufacture  of  this  ice,  the  latter  being  of  the  most  approved 
patterns.  Mr.  Brunet's  son  assists  him  in  carrying  on  this  enterprise,  and  IIP. 
is  perfectly  familiar  with  the  business  having  had  a  life-experience  at  it.  It 
richly  deserves  the  success  it  has  met  with,  and  is  an  institution  of  which  the 
city  may  feel  proud.  The  reputation  of  this  house  in  the  trade  for  enterprise 
and  liberality  is  not  excelled  by  any  contemporaneous  concern,  while  the 
resources  and  facilities  at  the  command  of  the  proprietor  makes  it  one  of  the 
most  desirable  houses  in  the  State  with  which  to  establish  pleasant  and  profit- 
able relations. 

SWINDELLS'  PRINTING  HOUSE— 1004  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Great  progress  has  been  made  in  the  artistic  branches  of  printing  in  the 
last  decade,  creating  a  demand  for  fine  commercial  work,  and  calling  into  exist- 
ence new  establishments  and  the  latest  improved  machinery.  The  establish- 
ment of  Mr.  Swindells  is  one  of  the  largest  of  this  kind  in  the  Southwest,  and 
from  his  able  management  and  superior  finish  and  style  of  work  has  taken  a 
leading  position  and  an  increasing  trade  which  requires  at  the  present  time 
about  25  skilled  workmen  to  keep  pace  with  the  liberal  orders  received.  He 
has  ample  steam  power  to  facilitate  his  business,  and  is  noted  not  only  for  fine 
artistic  work,  but  promptness  in  execution.  He  does  all  kinds  of  book,  job, 
commercial  work,  etc.,  and  a  specialty  is  made  of  school  catalogues,  price  lists 
and  lawyers'  briefs.  He  is  also  contractor  for  the  State  printing.  Our  com- 
mercial men  from  abroad,  as  well  as  our  own  city,  will  find  this  one  of  the  best 
houses  in  the  South,  in  which  to  have  work  done  in  the  most  expeditious  and 
reliable  manner,  and  last,  but  not  least,  at  the  lowest  possible  rates. 

S.  B.  HILL — PHOTOGRAPHY  ;  818  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

This  is  one  of  the  largest  art  galleries  in  Austin.  Mr.  Hill,  the  proprietor, 
is  a  careful  business  man,  always  employing,  when  needed,  none  but  thorough 
and  practical  artists.  He  is  a  careful  observer,  watching  closely  every  new 
invention  placed  before  the  public  pertaining  to  photography,  and  which,  if  it 
proves  to  be  of  any  benefit  to  the  art,  is  adopted.  He  is  very  favorably  located 
;it  Xo.  818  Congress  Avenue,  being  right  in  the  center  of  the  business  portion 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  63 


of  the  city.  His  rooms  are  all  well  lighted  and  arranged,  and  his  gallery  is 
replete  with  all  the  modern  appliances,  and  in  appearance  cannot  be  surpassed 
in  the  city.  A  speciality  is  made  of  copying  and  enlarging  old  pictures,  and 
finishing  in  India  ink,  crayon,  etc.,  and  no  work  is  allowed  to  leave  this  estab- 
lishment unless  it  gives  perfect  satisfaction.  We  commend  this  house  to  the 
trade,  not  only  on  account  of  its  superior  quality  of  output,  but  for  the  method, 
liberality  and  fair  dealings,  upon  which  its  business  is  conducted,  and  which  is 
sure  to  result  in  pleasant  and  profitable  relations  to  those  who  command  its 
services. 

HENRY   MARTIN — DEALER  IN  STOVES,  TINWARE,  TABLE  AND  POCKET  CUT- 
LERY, ETC.;  413  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

Among  the  establishments  in  the  city  dealing  in  stoves,  tinware,  etc.,  the 
house  of  Henry  Martin,  413  East  Pecan  Street,  is  entitled  to  special  mention, 
both  by  reason  of  the  size  and  quality  of  the  stock  carried,  and 'because  of  the 
energy,  enterprise  and  activity  of  its  management.  This  establishment  was 
founded  about  two  years  ago  by  Messrs.  Grove  &  Martin,  the  latter-named 
gentleman  buying  out  his  partner  a  few  months  ago,  and  now  being  sole  pro- 
prietor. The  store  occupied  is  centrally  located  and  well  arranged,  and  covers 
an  area  of  22x140  feet.  The  stock  carried  embraces  a  full  and  complete  line 
of  cook  and  heating  stoves,  tinware,  table  and  pocket  cutlery,  etc.,  embracing 
some  of  the  best  and  most  popular  brands  of  goods  known  to  the  market. 
A  manufacturing  department  is  run  in  connection  with  this  establishment,  in 
which  all  kinds  of  tin  and  sheet-iron  work  is  done ;  and  Mr.  Martin  being 
himself  a  practical  tinner,  and  giving  the  work  his  close  personal  supervision, 
all  the  work  done  is  first-class,  and  guaranteed  to  give  satisfaction  in  every 
particular.  Any  of  our  readers  who  desire  to  purchase  articles  in  this  line 
should  call  on  Mr.  Martin,  as  an  examination  of  his  stock  and  prices  will  serve 
to  convince  them  that  he  sells  the  best  goods  at  the  lowest  prices,  and  that 
nowhere  in  the  city  can  a  house  be  found  with  which  business  can  be  trans- 
acted more  pleasantly  or  more  profitably. 

JOHN   SHEEHAN — DEALER  IN  PLAIN  AND  FANCY  GROCERIES;  413  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

The  handsomest  and  best  equipped  family  grocery  in  the  city  of  Austin  is 
that  of  John  Sheehan,  413  Congress  Avenue.  Mr.  Sheehan  has  been  in  the 
grocery  business  here  five  years,  and  during  that  time  has  established  a  repu- 
tation and  built  up  a  trade  of  which  a  much  older  institution  might  well  be 
proud.  The  building  he  occupies  is  well  situated,  handsomely  fitted  up  and 
conveniently  arranged  for  his  business,  and  his  stock  is  kept  in  the  best  possi- 
ble order.  This  stock  embraces  a  full  and  complete  line  of  plain  and  fancy 


64  AUSTIN — HER 


groceries,  flours,  meats,  provisions,  coffees,  teas,  sugars,  syrups,  spices,  canned 
goods,  etc.,  including  some  of  the  best  and  most  popular  brands  known  to  the 
trade.  The  large  trade  of  this  house  makes  the  frequent  receipt  of  new  goods 
imperative,  and  thus  the  stock  is  always  kept  fresh,  and  nowhere  in  the  city 
can  the  housekeeper  find  more  desirable  articles  for  table  use  than  here.  The 
low  prices,  free  delivery,  and  polite  attention  bestowed  upon  all  customers,  add 
to  the  prosperity  of  the  house  and  attach  to  it  a  large  number  of  permanent 
patrons.  Mr.  Sheehan  is  a  native  of  Virginia,  but  was  raised  in  Texas.  He 
is  a  good  business  man,  enterprising  and  progressive  in  all  his  undertakings, 
and  a  gentleman  of  genial  manners  and  courteous  address.  His  establish- 
ment is  cordially  recommended  to  our  readers  as  in  every  way  worthy  their 
confidence  and  patronage. 

CAPITAL   ICE  FACTORY— MATTINGLEY  &  ZIMPELMAN,   PROPRIETORS;    101 
WEST  WATER  STREET. 

Among  the  valuable  enterprises  of  the  past  decade,  and  one  that  has 
brought  comfort  to  our  people,  as  well  as  been  beneficial  to  those  who  have 
been  sick  is  the  ice  factory  of  Messrs.  Mattingley  &  Zimpelman,  located  near 
Congress  Avenue,  on  Water  street.  The  enterprise  was  started  by  Mr.  Zim- 
pelman's  father  about  ten  years  ago  and  during  the  past  three  years  it  has 
been  conducted  by  these  young  and  enterprising  men,  who  have  provided  the 
best  modern  machinery  to  facilitate  the  business,  and  can  now  turn  out  45,000 
pounds  of  pure  ice  per  day,  for  which  they  find  an  increasing  trade  annually, 
now  reaching  most  of  the  prominent  towns  and  cities  around  Austin.  From 
twelve  to  fifteen  hands  find  employment  here  and  their  pay  roll  reaches  about 
$900  monthly.  Those  who  peruse  this  work  can  depend  on  getting  pure  ice 
and  satisfaction  in  business  transactions  when  dealing  with  this  reliable  firm. 
They  are  public  spirited  men  and  readily  aid  all  enterprises  that  are  of  a 
public  nature.  We  are  glad  to  find  space  in  the  business  history  of  Austin 
for  so  laudable  an  industry  and  one  of  so  much  interest  to  lovers  of  comforts 
of  life. 

JOSEPH  SPENCE— REAL  ESTATE  AND  COLLECTING  AGENT;  ROOM  No.  1,  HAN- 
COCK BUILDINC,  XKXT  TO   PoSTOFFICE. 

Among  the  real  estate  firms  of  Austin  who  have  for  years  been  connected 
and  acquainted  with  the  value  of  city  property  and  surrounding  lands  is  the 
widely  known  house  of  Joseph  Spence,  located  at  room  No.  1  Hancock  Build- 
ing, next  to  Postoffice.  He  has  conducted  this  business  for  the  past  fourteen 
years  and  his  long  experience  has  made  his  services  valuable  in  this  line, 
lie  gives  his  careful  attention  to  all  interests  of  his  patrons,  which  has  won 
for  him  a  large  and  lucrative  business.  Many  of  our  most  valuable  property 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  65 

holders  are  numbered  among  his  patrons,  who  have  entrusted  their  business 
to  his  care  for  years.  The  buying,  selling  and  exchanging  of  real  estate, 
securing  of  loans,  renting  of  property,  paying  of  taxes,  as  may  be  desired,  col- 
lecting of  claims  against  the  State,  and  general  negotiations,  come  under  the 
province  of  a  real  estate  agent.  In  all  these  requirements  Mr.  Spence  is  not 
only  familiar,  but  thoroughly  reliable.  His  superior  judgment  and  ability  in 
the  past  is  only  an  evidence  of  his  future  success.  All  his  transactions  are 
conducted  upon  a  fair  and  honorable  basis,  giving  to  his  patrons  full  satisfac- 
tion in  every  case. 

B.  C.  WELLS — JEWELER  ;  614  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Located  at  No.  614  Congress  Avenue  in  a  desirable  business  portion  of 
the  city,  is  the  jewelry  establishment  of  B.  C.  Wells.  This  business  was 
formed  in  1871,  and  a  successful  trade  has  been  the  merited  result  of  well 
directed  effort.  His  sales  room  is  ample  and  well  fitted  up  and  is  stocked 
with  a  desirable  and  attractive  line  of  imported  and  American  watches  from 
the  most  noted  manufactories,  together  with  clocks,  solid  silver  and  plated  ware, 
jewelry  of  every  description,  fine  cutlery,  and  articles  for  use  and  ornament, 
such  as  ordinarily  pertain  to  first  class  metropolitan  establishments  of  this 
description.  His  trade  extends  to  all  parts  of  the  State  supplying  a  large 
number  of  the  country  merchants  with  goods  in  addition  to  an  extensive 
retail  business.  Mr.  Wells  is  a  practical  and  experienced  jeweler,  having 
thoroughly  learned  the  trade,  and  this  department  is  a  prominent  specialty  of 
the  business.  He  is  a  permanent  resident  of  Austin,  having  lived  here  since 
1871,  and  in  conclusion  we  may  state  that  he  is  liberal  in  his  dealings,  reliable 
and  trustworthy,  and  he  well  merits  the  success  and  prosperity  he  has  so  long 
enjoyed. 

E.  M.  PURKISS  (SUCCESSOR  TO  PURKISS  &  FARR) — HOUSE,  SIGN  AND  ORNA- 
MENTAL PAINTER,  PAPER  HANGER  AND  DECORATOR  ;  WALL  PAPER, 
DECORATIONS  AND  PAINTERS'  SUPPLIES  WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL;  919 
CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Among  the  most  enterprising  and  substantial  business  houses  of  Austin 
is  that  of  E.  M.  Purkiss,  successor  to  Purkiss  &  Farr,  which,  established  early 
in  1884,  now  ranks  as  the  largest  firm  in  its  line  in  Austin  or  this  section. 
He  occupies  the  large  and  commodious  building  at  919  Congress  Avenue, 
22x80  feet,  with  a  sign-room  40x50  feet  in  dimensions,  both  being  handsomely 
fitted  out  with  every  convenience  for  the  quick  and  systematic  conduct  of  the 
business.  He  carries  a  large  and  complete  stock  of  the  best  wall  paper  and 
decorations,  with  the  largest  line  of  paints  in  Austin.  A  force  of  twenty 
hands  is  employed  whose  work,  both  in  house  and  sign  painting  and  in  paper 


66  AUSTIN — HER 


hanging  and  decorating,  will  bear  comparison  with  any  in  the  country.  Mr. 
E.  'M.  Purkiss  possesses  facilities  which  enable  him  to  compete  successfully 
with  all  rivals.  Employing  only  experienced  workmen,  and  he  being  per- 
fectly familiar  with  both  branches  of  the  business,  all  work  intrusted  him 
invariably  gives  satisfaction,  and  the  numerous  residences  in  Austin  and  the 
State  which  have  been  fitted  up  by  this  house  are  evidences  of  his  capacity  to 
guarantee  satisfaction.  Mr.  Purkiss  is  a  gentleman  well  known  in  and  out  of 
business  circles,  and  with  the  present  rapid  growth  of  Austin,  there  is  no 
limit  to  his  future  extension.  All  information  concerning  his  business  is  cheer- 
fully and  promptly  given,  and  estimates  on  work  furnished  on  application  to 
him. 

W.  VON  ROSENBERG— LAND  AND  GENERAL  AGENT  ;  OFFICE  No.  826  CON- 
GRESS AVENUE,  CORNER  WEST  ASH  STREET. 

Reviewing  Austin  in  a  business  way  we  meet  with  many  of  the  old  and 
substantial  citizens  who  are  worthy  of  mention  in  our  history,  and  among 
these  is  Mr.  W.  Von  Rosenberg,  general  land  agent.  He  came  to  Austin  as 
early  as  1856,  and  entered  the  Texas  Land  Office  at  once,  which  made  him 
quite  familiar  not  only  with  the  land,  but  with  the  land  laws  of  the  State,  and 
with  the  land  business  generally,  arid,  therefore,  is  well  qualified  for  the  busi- 
ness he  is  conducting.  His  advice  and  services  are  particularly  valuable,  as 
they  can  be  relied  upon  by  land  men  as  being  correct.  Any  parties  wanting 
taxes  paid,  land  inspected  and  valued,  purchased  or  sold,  or  any  business 
attended  to  in  the  several  departments  of  the  land  offices,  can  commit  their 
interests  to  no  abler  or  more  prompt  hands  than  to  place  them  with  Mr.  Von 
Rosenberg.  He  is  also  a  public  spirited  citizen  enjoying  offices  of  trust  and 
honor,  the  gifts  of  the  people,  and  filling  all  such  to  the  full  satisfaction  of  the 
public.  He  is  one  of  the  directors  of  the  new  City  National  Bank. 

RHOADS  FISHER — (FORMERLY  CHIEF  CLERK  GENERAL  LAND  OFFICE),  LAND 
AND  GENERAL  AGENT  ;  816  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

In  the  prepartion  of  the  history  of  a  city  we  often  come  in  contact  with 
establishments  and  noteworthy  enterprises  that  conduce  so  much  to  the  public 
welfare  and  which  are  in  a  measure  unknown  throughout  the  State.  Such  we 
desire  in  this  volume  to  set  before  our  readers.  In  the  general  land  business 
in  Austin  we  find  Mr.  Rhoads  Fisher,  who  has  been  chief  clerk  in  the  General 
Land  Office,  and  therefore  well  fitted  to  offer  his  services  to  the  public  in  this 
line  of  business.  He  is  centrally  located  at  816  Congress  Avenue,  and  makes 
a  specialty  of  purchasing  and  leasing  of  the  school  lands.  He  pays  taxes  and 
looks  after  lands  generally,  and  devotes  a  portion  of  his  time  to  the  procuring 
of  patents,  and  understands  the  patent  laws  perfectly.  No  one  enjoys  more 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  67 

of  the  public  confidence  than  Mr.  Fisher,  and  none  we  are  sure  will  conduct 
business  entrusted  to  them  with  more  marked  ability  or  be  more  prompt  in 
responding  to  their  patrons  than  Mr.  Fisher.  We  are  glad  to  note  the  eminent 
success  that  is  attending  his  untiring  energy  in  this  direction,  and  trust  our 
readers  who  may  have  business  in  this  line  will  feel  assured  of  honorable  and 
fair  treatment  at  his  hands  for  any  trust  that  may  be  placed  with  him. 


BARNES    &    SCOTT — WHOLESALE   AND    RETAIL    DEALERS   IN   STAPLE  AND 
FANCY  GROCERIES;  101  AND  103  WEST  PECAN  STREET. 

At  the  above  named  locality  will  be  found  one  of  the  most  elegantly  fitted 
up  and  handsomely  arranged  family  groceries  in  the  city.  The  genial,  popular, 
and  enterprising  gentlemen,  Messrs.  Barnes  &  Scott,  will  be  found  with  the  most 
complete,  varied  and  carefull}1"  selected  stock  of  staple  and  fancy  groceries  and 
general  provisions  to  be  found  anywhere  in  the  South,  everything  being  new, 
fresh  and  clear.  The  building  is  large  and  admirably  adapted  to  this  business. 
The  storerooms  are  light,  commodious  and  neatly  arranged  with  a  tempting 
display  of  appetizing  groceries  of  every  conceivable  kind ;  the  best  brands  of 
flour,  the  choicest  coffee,  teas,  sugar,  syrups,  spices,  canned  goods,  hams,  break- 
fast bacon,  fruit  and  condiments  of  every  kind,  and  in  short,  every  article  to  be 
found  in  a  first-class  establishment  of  this  description.  The  store  is  filled  from 
one  end  to  the  other  with  as  fresh  and  pure  and  as  attractive  a  line  of  goods  as 
can  be  desired  or  procured,  and  the  stock  is  constantly  kept  up  to  the  highest 
standard  by  frequent  replenishments.  This  firm  offer  more  advantages  to  the 
country  community  than  most  similar  houses,  as  they  deal  in  country  produce 
of  all  kinds,  and  offer  either  cash  or  goods  in  payment  for  the  same.  They  do 
the  largest  retail  grocery  business  in  Austin,  and  deliver  goods  free  of  charge 
to  any  part  of  the  city,  having  two  delivery  wagons.  Messrs.  Barnes  &  Scott, 
the  individual  members  of  the  firm,  are  well  known  in  the  city  and  surround- 
ing country,  and  their  energy,  industry  and  integrity  have  secured  them  a  posi- 
tion in  the  community  entitling  them  to  the  respect  and  confidence  as  well  as 
the  liberal  patronage  of  the  public. 

GRAHAM  &  ANDREWS— DRUGGISTS  ;  917  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Among  the  oldest  and  best  established  business  houses  of  Austin  is  the  one 
whose  name  heads  our  article,  and  which,  throughout  an  existence  of  30  years, 
has  always  preserved  its  high  standing  and  reputation.  Founded  in  1854  by  D. 
W.  C.  Baker,  it  became  successively  Baker  &  Graham,  and  in  1878  J.  W.  Graham; 
the  present  style  being  adopted  a  few  months  since  by  the  admission  of  Mr.  T.  M. 
Andrews.  The  building  is  ample  and  commodious,  being  40x120  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  two  stories  in  height,  and  is  well  fitted  out  with  every  convenience  for  the 
prompt  and  successful  conduct  of  the  business.  The  stock  consists  of  the  very 


68  AUSTIN — HER 


choicest  and  finest  European  and  American  drugs  and  chemicals,  toilet  articles, 
surgical  instruments  and  other  articles  of  a  strictly  first-class  drug  house.  The 
prescription  business  which  is  their  specialty,  is  as  complete  as  any  in  Austin, 
their  facilities  for  compounding  being  the  best.  A  very  large  and  complete  line 
of  paints  and  oils  is  also  kept  on  hand,  and  is  sold  in  direct  competition  with 
houses  who  deal  exclusively  in  these  articles.  Messrs.  J.  W.  Graham  and  T. 
M.  Andrews,  who  comprise  the  firm,  are  both  gentlemen  of  long  and  thorough 
experience  in  their  business,  and  well  known  in  trade  circles  and  the  social 
walks  of  life,  as  sterling  business  men  and  worthy  citizens.  It  affords  us  pleas- 
ure to  place  among  the  representative  firms  of  Austin,  a  house  whose  career 
has  been  so  long  and  honorable  as  this  one. 

THOMSON  &  DONNAN— LAND  AND  CLAIM  AGENTS,  808  CONGRESS  AVENTK. 

The  conducting  of  the  land  and  claim  interest  of  Texas  requires  as  much 
marked  ability,  sound  judgment,  keen  foresight  and  promptness  in  action  as 
any  industry  in  the  State.  A  volume  designed  to  circulate  largely  over  the 
State,  information  in  this  line  of  business,  is  more  desirable  than  any  other,  as 
it  tends  to  center  business  in  Austin.  Engaged  in  this  branch  of  business  is 
the  firm  of  Thomson  &  Donnan,  808  Congress  Avenue.  Mr.  R.  M.  Thomson 
and  John  K.  Donnan  compose  the  firm ;  "both  have  been  residents  of  Austin 
for  years,  and  are  familiar  with  the  land  interests  of  the  State.  They  buy,  sell 
and  locate  lands,  pay  taxes  on  the  same,  pay  taxes  for  non-residents,  and  look 
after  lands  generally  ;  buy  and  sell  land  scrip,  and  handle  land  on  commis- 
sion, selling  and  making  prompt  returns.  They  are  reliable  men,  as  will 
appear  plainly  when  we  say  they  represent  over  700  tracts  of  land,  entrusted 
them  by  one  man,  who  satisfied  himself  of  their  financial  standing  and 
upright  business  character  by  inquiry  of  different  banks  in  the  city,  to  whom 
they  refer.  As  a  firm  with  which  to  correspond  and  transact  business,  no  bet- 
ter can  be  found,  and  none  that  exhibit  more  activity  and  carefulness,  looking 
after  the  interests  of  their  patrons  with  the  same  care  and  attention  that  they 
give  their  own. 


L.  SCHOOLHERR  &  BRO.— DRY  GOODS,  608  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

One  of  the  largest  and  most  favorably  known  establishments  in  the  dry 
goods  line  in  Austin  is  that  of  L.  Schoolherr  &  Bro.,  located  at  No.  608  Con- 
,u !•<.<>  Avenue.  This  business  was  started  about  ten  years  ago,  and  hns  since 
the  beginning  been  very  successful.  The  building  occupied  for  carrying  on 
this  business  is  located  as  above  mentioned,  and  consists  of  two  floors,  15()x  •_'-") 
feet  in  dimensions,  which  are  conveniently  arranged  for  carrying  on  a  business 
of  this  description.  These  gentlemen  have  constantly  on  hand  a  complete  and 
choice  stock  of  dry  goods,  notions,  etc.,  at  prices  which  will  suit  the  most  exact- 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  69 

ing  purchaser.  They  are  constantly  replenishing  their  stock,  thus  keeping 
their  goods  fresh  and  of  the  latest  styles  and  designs.  About  eight  hands  are 
employed  as  salesmen,  and  all  patrons  are  treated  in  a  very  cordial  manner. 
In-sides  having  their  share  of  the  city  trade,  they  receive  considerable  trade 
from  the  different  sections  of  the  State,  and  all  orders  receive  prompt  attention. 
Messrs.  L.  Schoolherr  and  S.  Schoolherr  are  the  individual  members  of  the 
firm.  They  have  had  a  life  experience  in  this  branch  of  business,  and  under- 
stand it  in  all  its  details.  They  have  resided  in  the  city  for  the  last  twelve 
years,  are  honorable,  energetic  business  men,  and  well  deserve  the  patronage 
of  all  our  citizens. 

PRESTON  &  SON— ARCHITECTS  ;  ROOMS  5  AND  6  (OVER  NEWMAN  &  Co.),  500 
AND  502  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Among  the  list  of  accomplished  architects  in  this  city,  the  house  of  Messrs. 
Preston  &  Son  is  a  conspicuous  one,  especially  for  residences  and  public  build- 
ing work.  Buildings  after  buildings  have  been  erected  during  the  past  years 
from  designs  produced  by  these  gentlemen,  and  they  will  stand  for  ages  a 
monument  of  their  master  skill.  Among  the  principal  of  these  buildings  are 
the  North  Texas  Insane  Asylum,  State  Deaf  and  Dumb  Asylum,  Court  Houses 
for  Bastrop,  Washington,  Bell,  Cameron,  Nolan,  Taylor  and  Mitchell  Counties, 
State  Insane  Asylum  at  Austin,  J.  L.  Driskill's  residence,  Austin,  and  Jails  for 
Cameron,  Bell  and  San  Saba  Counties.  They  are  also  now  preparing  plans 
for  the  Driskill  Hotel,  of  this  city,  costing  $200,000.  They  are  prepared  to 
furnish  designs  and  specifications,  and  superintend  the  erection  of  buildings  of 
any  character  and  description.  Their  trade  is  not  confined  alone  to  the  city 
but  extends  throughout  the  State,  and  their  services  can  be  had  by  corres- 
pondents who  live  in  any  part  of  the  State.  They  are  courteous  gentlemen 
in  business  transactions,  liberal  in  their  terms,  and  thoroughly  experienced  in 
their  profession.  Employment  is  given,  when  needed,  to  none  but  men  of 
recognized  ability,  and  they  assure  perfect  satisfaction  to  all  their  patrons. 
Before  closing  we  will  say  that  they  are  high  minded  citizens  of  undoubted 
integrity  in  business  and  private  affairs,  and  rank  among  the  progressive  men 
who  delight  to  see  Austin  stand  second  to  no  city  in  the  skilled  arts  and 
sciences  which  it  fosters  and  encourages  so  extensively. 

CALCASIEU  LUMBER  COMPANY— YARDS  AT  AUSTIN  AND  ELGIN,  TEXAS. 

The  lumber  trade  of  Austin  is  a  growing  one  and  several  good  firms  are 
engaged  in  it.  The  company  heading  this  sketch  is  one  of  the  best  and  in 
some  respects  possesses  advantages  not  to  be  enjoyed  by  others.  Some  mem- 
bers of  the  firm  are  producers  of  the  celebrated  Calcasieu  lumber  from  the 
Parish  of  that  name  in  Louisiana ;  the  grain  and  solidity  and  compactness  of 


70  AUSTIN — HER 


which  makes  the  lumber  far  superior  to  the  Texas  pine,  especially  for  dressing 
and  inside  work.  They  deal  also  in  ash,  cypress  and  hard  wood  lumber,  doors, 
sashes,  blinds,  laths,  shingles,  pickets,  posts,  paints,  oils,  builders'  hardware  and 
everything  necessary  to  build  a  house,  and  patent  wire  fencing  of  superior 
qualities  as  well,  and  at  manufacturers'  prices.  The  company  was  organized 
under  the  State  laws  of  Texas  two  years  ago.  They  have  a  river  front  as  well 
as  railroad  facilities  to  carry  on  the  business  advantageously,  and  they  deal  as 
liberally  with  their  patrons  as  any  similar  institution  in  the  State.  Mr.  H.  J. 
Sutchen  is  the  president  and  Mr.  W.  S.  Drake  the  secretary  of  the  company,  to 
which  all  communications  regarding  terms  and  prices  should  be  addressed. 
We  are  glad  to  make  space  in  our  volume  for  this  notice,  as  we  belive  our 
readers  will  be  benefitted  by  learning  of  this  firm  and  forming  their  business 
acquaintance.  The  marked  successs  attending  this  enterprise  since  starting  is 
sure  evidence  that  they  compete  successfully  for  the  trade,  and  small  dealers  as 
well  as  builders  of  the  surrounding  country  will  have  no  cause  to  regret  form- 
ing their  acquaintance. 

JOHN  H.  ROBINSON  &  SON— WHOLESALE  AND  RETAL  DEALERS  IN  GENERAL 
MERCHANDISE  ;  504  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

In  making  a  detailed  review  of  the  commercial  interests  of  the  city, 
prominent  among  these  will  be  noticed  the  establishment  of  J.  H.  Robinson  & 
Son  which,  from  the  special  character  of  its  business  and  the  magnitude  of  its 
operations,  should  not  escape  mention  in  any  work  relating  to  the  development, 
resources  and  industries  of  this  city.  This  establishment  was  started  thirty 
years  ago  by  the  senior  member  of  the  firm,  but  in  1869,  Alf.  H.  Robinson,  his 
son,  was  admitted  as  partner.  They  are  located  at  No.  504  Congress  Avenue, 
where  they  occupy  two  floors,  160x25  in  size.  They  are  retail  dealers  in 
general  merchandise,  as  dry  goods,  groceries,  boots,  shoes,  hats,  caps,  etc.,  and 
carry  one  of  the  largest  and  best  assortments  in  the  city.  A  specialty  of  this 
house  is  in  furnishing  outfits  for  stockmen  when  they  start  on  the  trail,  and 
stockmen  come  from  all  parts  of  the  surrounding  country  to  get  supplies  of 
this  kind.  The  advantages  enjoyed  by  this  firm  in  buying  goods  paying  cash 
largely  therefor,  enables  them  to  sell  to  the  consumers  at  prices  lower  than 
most  houses.  These  gentlemen  have  also  invested  largely  in  cattle,  sheep  and 
land,  and  we  are  glad  to  say,  take  a  great  interest  in  the  State  of  Texas  in 
every  respect.  Mr.  J.  H.  Robinson,  the  senior  member  of  this  firm,  and  Mr. 
Alf.  H.,  his  son,  are  both  gentlemen  of  large  experience  in  this  business,  and 
all  its  operations  are  conducted  under  their  personal  supervision.  To  indulge 
m  any  personal  laudation  would  be  superfluous,  and  we  need  olny  remark  in 
conclusion,  that  the  trade  will  find  many  advantages  by  establishing  relations 
with  this  reliable  house. 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES. 


71 


STUART  FEMALE  SEMINARY— 1312  EAST  ASH  STREET. 

Austin  is  confessedly  the  educational  centre  of  Texas,  therefore,  in  review- 
ing her  most  prominent  schools  and  colleges,  a  brief  sketch  of  the  above  well- 
known  institution  is  necessary.  Stuart  Seminary  was  founded  in  1876,  and 


since  its  organization  has  had  a  well  merited  success,  and  now  ranks  among 
the   best   female   educational   institutions   of  the   country.     The   building   is 


72  AUSTIN — HER 


admirably  located  on  an  elevation  in  the  Eastern  suburbs  of  the  city,  and 
commands  a  most  magnificent  view  of  the  country  for  miles  around.  The  long 
and  varied  experience  of  the  Principal  enable  her  to  make  its  appointments 
with  judgment,  and  her  thorough  knowledge  of  all  its  parts  insures  their 
proper  use.  Every  precaution  has  been  taken  to  secure  the  health  of  the 
pupils,  both  requiring  moderate  calisthenics,  drill  and  furnishing  balconies 
for  promenade.  The  furniture  is  of  the  most  improved  pattern.  There  is 
also  a  chemical  and  philosophical  apparatus.  Stuart  Seminary  is  one  of  the 
few  institutions  in  which,  to  complete  the  course  of  studies,  requires  the 
utmost  diligence  and  unremitting  application.  So  rigid  are  the  examinations, 
and  so  strict  the  requirements  of  graduation,  that  it  probably  numbers  less 
full  graduates  on  its  roll  than  any  Seminary  in  the  country.  Employing  only 
the  most  competent  teachers,  and  with  a  perfect  system  in  all  departments, 
Stuart  Seminary  may  well  challenge  comparison.  Mrs.  R.  K.  Red,  the  prin- 
cipal, has  had  thirty  years'  experience  in  teaching,  and  has  devoted  her  life  to 
the  building  up  of  this  institution,  a  feature  in  its  history  of  which  Austin 
may  well  be  proud.  It  is  the  hope  of  all  that  this  Seminary  may  long  con- 
tinue in  its  present  course  of  honor  and  prosperity. 

NEWMAN  &  CO. — DEALERS  IN  DRY  AND  FANCY  GOODS,  CORNER  CONGRESS 
AVENUE  AND  PINE  STREET  ;  BRANCH  HOUSE,  SAN  ANTONIO,  TEX.;  NEW 
YORK  OFFICE,  9^  FRANKLIN  STREET. 

Of  the  many  handsome  and  spacious  stores  which  line  Congress  Avenue, 
one  of  the  best  and  most  convenient  in  all  respects  is  that  of  Messrs.  Newman 
&  Co.,  whose  name  heads  our  sketch.  The  building  is  52x180  feet  in  dimen- 
sions and  two  stories  in  height,  and  is  well  lighted  and  ventilated,  every  con- 
venience being  provided  for  the  rapid  and  systematic  conduct  of  the  business 
as  well  as  the  comfort  of  the  numerous  employees  who  number  upwards  of  40. 
The  stock  is  the  finest  in  Austin  and  probably  in  the  State,  comprising  the 
finest  dress  goods  and  Parisian  novelties,  purchased  in  Europe  by  a  member  of 
of  the  firm  who  visits  it  every  year  for  that  purpose,  thus  placing  their  goods 
to  their  customers  at  first  hands  and  avoiding  middle  men.  The  leading  fea- 
ture of  Messrs.  Newman  &  Co.'s  establishment  is,  however,  their  dressmaking 
department,  which,  under  the  supervision  of  one  of  the  most  skillful  lady 
dressmakers  in  America,  enjoys  a  reputation  far  and  wide  for  making  dresses, 
cloaks,  etc.,  which  in  design  and  finish  are  equal  to  any.  As  a  proof  of  this 
we  will  mention  that  they  have  lately  filled  orders  from  Baltimore  and  Wyo- 
ming. Messrs.  Samuel  and  Julius  Newman  and  Philip  Hatzfeld  comprise  the 
firm,  all  gentlemen  well-known  in  and  out  of  business  circles,  and  numbered 
among  the  representative  and  enterprising  citizens  of  Austin.  They  have  also 
a  large  branch  establishment  at  San  Antonio,  and  their  New  York  office  is  at 


TRADE,  COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  73 


97  Franklin  Street.  It  will  then  be  seen  that  these  gentlemen  have  connections 
and  advantages  possessed  by  no  other  firm  in  Austin,  and  having  also  ample 
capital  they  are  enabled  to  offer  their  goods  at  manufacturers'  prices.  It  affords 
us  pleasure  to  write  this  sketch  of  one  of  the  most  substantial  business  houses 
in  the  South,  and  to  advise  our  readers  to  visit  their  handsome  establishment, 
in  which  they  will  see  a  display  not  surpassed  by  any  similar  firm  in  the 
country. 

TILLOTSON    COLLEGIATE    AND    NORMAL    INSTITUTE.  —  EAST   END 
Bois  D'ARC  STREET. 

Tillotson  Collegiate  and  Normal  Institute  is  one  of  the  first  objects  which 
claim  the  attention  of  visitors  to  Austin.  It  is  beautifully  situated  just  east  of 
the  city,  and  commands  a  view  of  the  valley  of  the  Colorado,  with  its  sur- 
roundings— rugged  hills,  fertile  farms,  shining  waters,  moving  railroad  trains, 
and  last,  but  not  least,  the  beautiful  city  of  Austin — of  which  the  eye  never 
tires.  This  institution  is  devoted  to  the  elevation  of  the  Colored  Race 
especially,  though  it  knows  no  color — knowledge-seekers  of  all  races  are  wel- 
come. It  aims  to  produce  human  perfection.  While  the  development  of  the 
intellect  by  a  thorough  mastery  of  the  ordinary  branches  of  knowledge  is  con- 
sidered of  very  great  importance,  the  stimulation  of  the  moral  and  religious 
nature  holds  a  no  less  prominent  place  in  the  plan  of  the  institution.  A 
religious  influence  pervades  the  school,  which  makes  itself  felt  for  good  on  all 
who  enter,  and  tends  to  secure  application  and  consequent  progress  in  all 
departments  of  the  work.  There  are  now  in  operation  Intermediate,  Gram- 
mar, Normal,  College  Preparatory,  and  Musical  Departments,  which  are  doing 
most  thoroughly  the  work  of  corresponding  departments  in  the  best  schools  of 
the  country.  Other  departments  will  probably  be  established  when  needed. 
There  are  accommodations  for  boarding  eighty  students.  The  authority  and 
care  exercised  over  the  students  of  the  boarding  department  is,  as  nearly,  as 
may  be,  like  that  of  the  Christian  parent. 

TERMS — PER     MONTH. 

Tuition,  Intermediate  and  Grammar  Departments $2.00 

Tuition,  Normal  and  Preparatory  Departments 2.50 

Tuition,  Instrumental  Music  Department 3.50 

Board,  including  Tuition,  Lights  and  Washing 12.00 

Good  board  in  private  families  can  be  procured  at  very  reasonable  rates. 
The  school  is  open  from  October  1st  to  June  1st,  with  the  exception  of  the  last 
week  in  December.  For  further  information,  or  catalogue,  address, 

TILLOTSON  COLLEGIATE  AND  NORMAL  INSTITUTE, 

Austin,  Texas. 


74  AUSTIN — HER 


A.  K.  HAWKES — PRACTICAL  OPTICIAN,  INVENTOR  OF  HAWKES'  PATENT  EXTEN- 
SION SPRING  EYE-GLASSES  ;  SPECTACLES  ADAPTED  TO  ALL  CONDITIONS  OF 
THE  EYE. 

Among  the  most  attractive  and  handsomest  of  the  many  stores  which  line 
Congress  Avenue  is  that  of  Mr.  A.  K.  Hawkes,  whose  name  heads  our  article. 
The  building  is  25x140  feet  in  dimensions,  and  two  stories  in  height,  and  is 
fitted  out  with  every  convenience  for  the  rapid  and  systematic  conduct  of  the 

business.  A  complete  stock  of  books, 
periodicals,  stationery,  and  facny  articles 
is  carried,  which  are  sold  at  most  reason- 
able prices.  Mr.  Hawkes'  specialty,  how- 
ever>  is  his  renowned  "  Patent  Extension 
Spring  Eye-Glasses,"  which  have  attained 
a  national  reputation  as  the  BEST  Glass 

A!  K^HAWKES,  Austin,  Tex,  known,  being  adapted  to  all  conditions  of 

the  eye.  He  imports  his  lenses  direct  from  the  most  celebrated  European  makers 
and  grinds  them  here ;  thus  insuring  as  nearly  perfect  a  lense  as  possible. 
These  glasses  are  the  result  of  many  years  research  on  the  part  of  Mr.  Hawkes, 
and  they  are  undoubtedly  one  of  the  greatest  boons  to  those  who  suffer  in  any 
degree  from  impaired  sight.  All  communications  are  cheerfully  and  promptly 
answered.  We  append  a  few  of  the  most  prominent  testimonials,  of  which 
Mr.  Hawkes  has  a  multitude  from  all  parts  of  the  Union. 

One  from  the  great  revivalist,  W.  E.  Penn : 

MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES: 

Dear  Sir — I  take  great  pleasure  in  saying  that,  after  having  worn  your  new 
crystalized  lenses  and  patent  spring  eye-glasses  for  the  past  year,  my  sight  has 
greatly  improved.  W.  E.  PENN. 

NEW  YORK  CITY,  April  7,  1884. 
MR.  A.  K  HAWKES: 

Dear  Sir — Your  patent  eye-glasses  and  crystalized  lenses,  received  some 
time  since,  and  am  very  much  gratified  at  the  wonderful  change  that  has  coirie 
over  my  eye-sight  since  I  have  discarded  my  old  glasses,  and  am  now  wearing 
yours.  ALEXANDER  AGAR, 

Blank  Book  Manufacturer. 
MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES: 

Dear  Sir — The  spectacles  you  adapted  to  my  sight  nearly  eight  years  ago, 
I  am  happy  to  say,  enable  me  to  see  as  clearly  as  the  day  I  procured  them,  and 
I  am  now  nearly  eighty  years  of  age.  I  cheerfully  recommend  them  to  the 
public.  Respectfully,  WM.  J.  RUSSELL, 

Ex-District  Judge. 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  75 

HOUSTON,  TEXAS,  January  9,  1884. 
MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES: 

Dear  Sir — Since  wearing  your  new  crystalized  lenses,  my  sight  has  greatly 
improved.  JOHN  T.  BRADY. 

HOUSTON,  TEXAS,  March  12,  1884. 
MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES  : 

Dear  Sir — I  have  now  been  wearing  your  glasses  for  nearly  ten  years,  and 
I  cannot  see  that  my  sight  has  failed  in  the  least  during  this  time. 

Respectfully,  JAS.  A.  BAKER. 

AUSTIN,  TEXAS,  March  3, 1881. 
MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES  : 

Dear  Sir — I  am  much  pleased  with  the  pantiscopic  glasses  you  so  perfectly 
adapted  to  my  eyes ;  with  them  I  am  enabled  to  read  as  in  my  youth,  the  finest 
print  with  greatest  ease.  I  cheerfully  recommend  them  to  the  public. 

Respectfully,  R.  B.  HUBBARD, 

Ex-Governor  of  Texas. 

AUSTIN,  TEXAS,  August  7,  1881. 
MR.  A.  K.  HAWKES  : 

Dear  Sir — The  spectacles  purchased  from  you  nearly  two  years  ago  excel 
anything  I  have  yet  been  able  to  procure.  They  enable  me  to  read  for  hours 
with  less  fatigue  to  the  eyes  than  any  others  that  I  have  ever  used. 

E.  B.  TURNER, 
Judge  United  State  Court. 

SPECIAL  NOTICE. — The  great  reputation  my  spectacles  have  attained 
throughout  Texas  and  the  South,  has  led  unscrupulous  persons  to  counterfeit 
them.  There  are  none  genuine,  unless  the  name  of  Hawkes  is  stamped  on  the 
bow.  Send  for  catalogue  and  price-list. 

A.  K.  HAWKES, 
Austin,  Texas. 

MADDOX  BROS.  &  ANDERSON— LAND  AND  REAL  ESTATE  AGENTS;   126 
WEST  PECAN  STREET,  NEAR  POSTOFFICE. 

The  land  and  real  estate  interests  of  Austin  are  as  prominent  and  import- 
ant as  any  industry  of  the  Capital  City,  and  men  of  rare  ability  and  vast  cap- 
ital are  engaged  in  its  transactions.  Among  the  well  known  and  competent 
firms  we  are  called  upon  to  mention,  is  the  one  heading  this  sketch.  Their 
office  is  central,  and  as  well  fitted  up  to  accommodate  the  business,  and  to  accom- 
modate the  stockmen  of  the  State,  when  in  the  city,  as  any  similar  establishment 
in  the  State,  and  is  really  headquarters  for  this  class  of  men.  The  members 
of  the  firm  are  well  informed  business  men,  and  conduct  business  in  a  straight- 
forward business  manner.  They  do  a  general  real  estate  business.  They  buy 
and  sell  land  certificates,  examine  and  perfect  titles,  lands  examined  and 


76  AUSTIN — HER 


divided,  lands  bought  and  sold,  Patents  obtained,  taxes  paid,  lands  redeemed, 
investments  made,  and  give  prompt  attention  to  all  business  in  General  Land 
Office  and  other  State  departments.  Our  readers  who  may  desire  information 
upon  any  subject  pertaining  to  land,  real  estate,  ranche  or  stock  enterprises, 
will  find  the  firm  prompt  in  answering,  and  capable  of  giving  reliable  infor- 
mation. They  are  actively  connected  with  the  Day  Land  and  Cattle  Company, 
having  a  paid-up  capital  of  $510,000  ;  one-third  of  which  is  owned  by  Maddox 
Bros.  &  Anderson.  The  success  of  the  firm  since  starting  in  the  real  estate  busi- 
ness a  few  years  ago,  is  truly  remarkable,  and  is  the  best  recommendation  any 
firm  could  possibly  have  of  their  executive  ability,  and  we  are  sure  that  any 
business  our  readers  may  transact  with  them  will  prove  a  pleasant  transaction, 
and  be  executed  with  marked  ability  and  upright  integrity. 

C.  A.  DAHLICH — MANUFACTURER  OF  AND  DEALER  IN  FURNITURE  AND  HOUSE 
FURNISHING  GOODS,  CARPETS,  OIL  CLOTHS,  ETC.;  CORNER  COLORADO 
STREET  AND  NORTH  AVENUE. 

In  our  search  for  information  regarding  the  furniture  trade  of  this  city, 
we  were  more  than  ordinarily  attracted  by  the  house  of  C.  A.  Dahlich,  which 
was  established  by  the  present  proprietor  in  1874.  He  is  located  on  the  corner  of 
Colorado  street  and  North  Avenue,  and  the  salesroom  is  60x100  feet  in  dimen- 
sions. He  is  manufacturer  and  dealer  in  furniture  of  every  description,  and 
also  carries  a  well  selected  stock  of  carpets,  oil  cloths,  etc.  Being  a  manufac- 
turer, he  can  sell  at  prices  lower  than  most  houses,  as  he  has  no  expense  in  pay- 
ing drayage  and  freight.  Mr.  C.  A.  Dahlich,  the  proprietor  of  this  business,  has 
had  years  of  experience  in  this  line,  and  understands  it  thoroughly  in  all  its 
details.  From  its  earliest  establishment,  this  house  has  been  a  favorite  source 
of  supply  in  this  line  of  trade,  and  those  forming  business  relations  with  it 
will  find  a  large  and  superior  stock  from  which  to  make  selection,  as  well  as 
the  pursuance  of  a  liberal  policy  and  an  obliging  promptness,  such  as  is  in 
accordance  with  an  honorable  record  of  so  long  standing. 

EDWARDS  &  CO. — NEWS  DEALERS  AND  STATIONERS  ;  618  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

The  most  extensive  and  elegantly  appointed  establishment  in  Austin  in 
this  branch  of  business  is  that  conducted  by  Messrs.  Edwards  &  Co.,  at  No. 
618  Congress  Avenue.  These  gentlemen  have  been  connected  with  this  enter- 
prise only  two  years,  and  the  steady  increase '  of  trade  since  their  commence- 
ment has  been  of  a  most  gratifying  character.  This  firm  carry  a  full  line  of 
stationery  and  stationers'  sundries,  all  the  daily  and  weekly  papers  and  maga- 
zines, chewing  and  smoking  tobacco,  fine  cigars,  etc.;  are  the  sole  agents  for 
Foley's  celebrated  gold  pens,  and  receive  subscriptions  for  any  periodical  or 
magazine  published.  They  receive  a  liberal  order  trade  from  all  over  the 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  77 


entire  State,  besides  receiving  the  larger  part  of  the  city  trade.  Mr.  Edwards 
has  resided  in  this  city  since  1872  and  is  well-known  both  in  social  and  com- 
mercial circles.  He  has  had  a  number  of  years'  experience  in  this  trade,  and 
thoroughly  understands  it  in  all  its  branches.  In  conclusion,  we  think  it  is 
quite  within  our  province  to  commend  this  house  to  the  trade,  and  to  assure 
them  that  nothing  will  be  left  undone  to  make  business  relations  between 
themselves  and  their  customers  permanent,  pleasant  and  profitable. 


W.  A.  GLASS — WOOD  AND  COAL  DEALER  ;  113  WEST  CEDAR  STREET. 

The  coal  industry  of  Austin  is  yearly  becoming  an  enterprise  of  more 
magnitude,  and  as  manufacturings  increase,  will  grow  still  greater.  The  most 
prominent  merchant  perhaps  in  the  trade  is  Mr.  W.  A.  Glass,  located  at  No. 
113  West  Cedar  street,  convenient  to  railroad  facilities  for  handling  coal,  so 
that  in  price  he  can  meet  competition  from  any  source.  The  quality  of  coal 
handled  is  of  the  very  best  grades  for  manufacturing  or  domestic  purposes. 
He  is  prompt  in  supplying  the  people  of  Austin,  and  equally  so  in  his  atten- 
tion given  to  orders  received  by  mail.  The  continued  prosperity  of  the  house 
with  an  unsullied  business  record,  is  the  best  guarantee  that  it  occupies  a  posi- 
tion of  usefulness  and  confidence  with  the  public  generally,  and  is  still  worthy 
of  their  patronage.  In  wood,  Mr.  Glass  can  supply  the  entire  city  promptly 
and  furnishes  any  length  desired.  He  enjoys  the  best  facilities  to-  accommo- 
date the  public  in  this  line,  and  deals  in  all  kinds  of  hard  and  cedar  wood, 
cedar  posts  and  blocks.  In  connection  with  the  coal  and  wood  business  he  is 
also  in  the  freight  transfer  line,  moving  iron  safes,  furniture  and  heavy  goods 
generally  ;  and  all  orders  for  this  or  the  coal  and  wood  departments  remitted 
by  mail,  telephone  or  otherwise,  receive  the  promptest  attention. 

J.  H.  COLLETT — LAND  AND  GENERAL  AGENT;  824  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

The  land  interests  generally  in  Austin  are  represented  by  men  of  ability 
and  who  have  for  many  years  made  it  a  study.  The  agent  heading  this 
sketch  is  an  old  citizen  and  has  been  dealing  in  Texas  lands  since  1849.  His 
business  extends  pretty  much  over  the  entire  State,  and  he  gives  his  attention 
to  all  the  various  departments  of  the  land  interests,  and  is  fully  competent  to 
execute  with  ability  any  interests  entrusted  to  him,  either  in  way  of  perfecting 
titles,  paying  taxes,  buying,  selling,  leasing,  valuing  land  and  looking  after 
every  interest  in  the  land  office.  Our  readers  who  desire  interests  promptly 
looked  after,  will  find  Mr.  Collett  will  give  them  his  attention  and  execute  all 
matters  with  ability.  He  has  the  confidence  of  the  public  generally,  and  is 
a  public  spirited  man,  who  rejoices  at  the  prosperity  of  the  city,  and  ready  to 
aid  in  its  public  enterprises  for  its  advancement  to  the  front  rank  of  the  cities 
of  the  State. 


78 


AUSTIN — HER 


ADOLPH    BAHN  —  WATCHMAKER,    JEWELER    AND    ENGRAVER  ;   CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

There  are  few  industries  of  the  City  of  Austin  which  this  comprehensive 
work  will  record,  that  require  a  higher  order  of  skill  or  more  refined  taste  in 
its  operations,  than  that  of  the  jewelry  business;  but  the  eminent  success 
which  has  attended  the  establishment  and  conduct  of  this  branch  of  trade  by 

Mr.  Adolph  Bahn  is  a  sufficient 
evidence  of  his  thorough  adap- 
tation to  its  requirements.  This 
enterprise  is  the  oldest  of  this 
kind  in  the  city,  it  having  been 
started  as  early  as  1853.  The 
salesroom  occupied  is  80x25  feet 
in  size,  and  is  kept  constantly 
well  stocked  with  a  full  assortment  of  clocks,  watches,  jewelry,  spectacles, 
silverware,  etc.,  all  of  standard  makes  and  for  sale  at  prices  uniformly  low  and 
satisfactory.  Repairing  in  all  its  departments  is  promptly  attended  to,  and  all 
work  in  this  line  is  fully  warranted.  In  addition,  Mr.  Bahn  has  an  extensive 
manufacturing  and  diamond-setting  department,  and  turns  out  some  of  the 
finest  work  to  be  had  in  this  country,  being  equal  to  any  of  the  eastern  manu- 
factories, with  whom  he  can  easily  compete  in  price.  Mr.  Bahn  is  also  the 
owner  of  a  valuable  patent  of  his  own  invention,  being  a  combined  napkin 
ring  and  holder,  which  certainly  fills  a  long-felt  want,  combining  the  advan- 
tages of  a  napkin  ring  and  a  napkin  holder,  both  to  perfection.  The  accom- 
panying cut  will  more  fully  explain  its  construction.  Mr.  Bahn  invites  special 
attention  to  this  valuable  patent,  will  be  pleased  to  correspond  with  dealers  in 
regard  to  the  sale  of  rights  for  the  sale  of  his  patent.  Mr.  Bahn  is  a  native  of 
this  city,  and  has  been  brought  up  in  the  jewelry  business,  learning  the  watch- 
maker's trade  in  Switzerland  and  the  engraver's  trade  in  New  York.  He  is 
too  well  known  to  the  trade  to  render  necessary  further  personal  mention,  but, 
in  conclusion,  we  will  say  that  the  success  and  facilities  of  this  house,  as  well 
as  the  liberal  and  just  business  policy  upon  which  it  is  conducted,  have  placed 
it  above  any  of  its  cotemporaries  and  enables  the  proprietors  to  offer  such 
advantages  to  the  trade  as  will  render  business  relations  entered  into  with  it 
permanent  as  well  as  profitable. 

CHADW1CK  &  DECORDOVA— INSURANCE  AGENTS;  704  CONGRESS  AVEMK. 

Regarding  the  importance  and  amount  of  insurance  carried  on  in  the 
City  of  Austin  very  few  of  our  citizens  have  any  accurate  conception.  Never- 
theless some  know  it,  and  as  a  blessing  to  the  widow  and  orphan ;  besides 
those  who  have  suddenly  been  deprived  of  their  houses  by  the  ravages  of  the 


TRADE,  COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  79 

fire  fiend,  with  the  money  secured  by  their  insurance  policy  they  are  enabled 
to  rebuild,  and  even  in  more  modern  style.  Messrs.  Chadwick  and  DeCordova 
are  conducting  at  No.  704  Congress  Avenue  a  general  insurance  business,  upon 
honorable  and  upright  business  principles,  fully  understanding  insurance  in 
every  detail.  They  have  been  in  this  business  about  four  years,  and  represent 
most  all  the  important  companies  on  the  face  of  the  globe,  some  of  which  are 
given  below :  ^Etna,  Hartford ;  National,  Hartford ;  Girard,  Philadelphia  ; 
Fire  Association,  Philadelphia ;  Germania,  New  York ;  Citizens',  New  York ; 
Hanover,  New  York;  Crescent,  New  Orleans,  La.;  Lancashire,  Eng.;  Sun,  of 
London ;  Commercial  Union,  London;  Western,  Toronto ;  Life  Equitable,  of  New 
York  ;  Accident  Insurance  Company  of  North  America,  and  the  entire  assets  of 
which  are  $125,000,000.  The  individual  members  ol  the  firm  are  R.  A.  Chad- 
wick,  S.  D.  DeCordova  and  R.  DeCordova,  the  latter  two  being  members  of  the 
well-known  firm  of  DeCordova  &  Son,  land  agents.  These  gentlemen  are  all  too 
well  known  in  commercial  circles  to  require  personal  mention  at  our  hands. 
As  a  firm,  however,  we  may  say  that  they  combine  a  practical  knowledge  of 
the  business,  and  long  experience  with  unsurpassed  facilities,  which  have  added 
no  little  to  the  growth  and  prosperity  of  their  house. 

NALLE  &  CO — DEALERS  IN  ROUGH  AND  DRESSED  LUMBER  OF  ALL  KINDS, 
SASH,  DOORS,  BLINDS,  SHINGLES,  ETC.;  YARDS  AND  OFFICE  ON  EAST 
AVENUE  AND  PINE  STREET. 

The  lumber  business,  always  of  great  importance  to  a  city  or  community, 
is  peculiarly  so  to  one  which  is  so  rapidly  increasing  in  population  and  busi- 
ness as  this.  Among  the  firms  engaged  in  this  important  branch  of  commerce 
in  Austin,  Nalle  &  Co.  are  worthy  of  special  mention,  both  by  reason  of  the 
character  and  extent  of  the  business  done  and  because  of  the  rare  energy, 
activity  and  enterprise  displayed  in  the  management.  Mr.  Joseph  Nalle,  the 
sole  member  of  the  firm,  the  company  being  nominal  only,  is  a  native  of  Vir- 
ginia, but  has  resided  in  Texas  fourteen  years.  Thirteen  years  ago  he  estab- 
lished himself  in  the  lumber  trade,  and  from  that  time  to  the  present  has 
enjoyed  a  successful  and  prosperous  career.  At  his  yards  on  East  Avenue  and 
Pine  street  are  kept  all  kinds  of  rough  and  dressed  lumber,  sash,  doors,  blinds, 
shingles,  etc.,  for  sale  in  any  quantity  and  at  the  lowest  prices.  A  mill  situated 
at  the  yards  dresses  lumber  of  all  kinds  and  cuts  dimension  stuff  of  any  size, 
and  enables  Mr.  Nalle  to  fill  all  orders  at  the  shortest  notice  and  in  a  most  satis- 
factory manner.  This  is  the  largest  lumber  yard  in  the  city,  the  stock  carried 
being  valued  at  $100,000,  and  purchasers  will  always  find  plenty  of  well- 
seasoned  material  from  which  to  choose.  Mr.  Nalle  also  has  lumber  yards  at 
Waco,  Burnet  and  Alexander,  and  as  he  buys  for  all  together,  he  enjoys  great 
advantages  in  the  way  of  low  prices.  This,  together  with  the  fact  that  the  rail- 


80  AUSTIN — HER 


road  track  runs  through  his  Austin  yard,  making  the  cost  of  shipping  to  and 
from  it  the  very  smallest,  enables  him  to  offer  patrons  inducements  in  the  way 
of  low  prices,  with  which  less  favored  rivals  find  it  impossible  to  compete. 
The  business  of  this  establishment  is  conducted  upon  principles  of  the  sound- 
est commercial  integrity  and  the  broadest  liberality,  and  carpenters,  contractors, 
builders  and  others  desiring  to  purchase  lumber  will  find  it  to  their  advantage 
to  call  and  learn  the  prices  before  purchasing  elsewhere.  We  may  be  pardoned 
for  mentioning  here,  as  illustrative  of  Mr.  Nalle's  enterprise  in  business,  that 
he  is  the  owner  of  two  cotton  compresses,  one  at  Waco  and  one  at  Ennis,  each 
of  which  does  a  large  business.  Mr.  Nalle  is  one  of  the  public  spirited  citizens 
of  Austin,  a  gentleman  of  genial  manners  and  courteous  address,  and  one 
with  whom  it  is  a  pleasure  to  transact  business. 

WATERS-PIERCE  OIL  COMPANY— W.  B.  ABADIE,  MANAGER;  CORNER  OF 
CYPRESS  AND  NUECES  STREETS. 

The  above  company  is  a  branch  of  the  company  of  the  same  name  whose 
headquarters  are  in  St.  Louis.  The  oils  manufactured  by  this  company  are 
subjected  to  the  severest  tests  before  being  put  on  the  market,  and  consequently 
always  give  satisfaction.  The  lubricating  oils  are  free  from  all  the  gummy 
properties  which  make  other  oils  of  inferior  grade  so  objectionable,  and  the 
illuminating  oil  is  perfectly  safe  under  all  circumstances.  The  company  has 
a  large  warehouse  here  at  the  corner  of  Cypress  and  Nueces  streets,  and  where 
are  kept  all  the  oils  sold  by  them.  Being  situated  convenient  to  railroad  facili- 
ties here,  they  can  handle  oil  economically,  so  that  in  price  they  can  meet 
competition  from  any  source.  Oils  for  shipment  to  other  points  are  loaded  on 
the  cars  at  the  warehouse,  thus  avoiding  all  exposure  to  the  sun  and  conse- 
quent leakage.  Mr.  W.  B.  Abadie,  the  manager  of  the  Austin  branch,  is  a 
gentleman  of  excellent  standing,  and  to  his  executive  ability  is  due,  in  a  large 
measure,  the  present  handsome  and  increasing  business  of  this  branch. 

DECORDOVA    &    SON— TEXAS    LAND  AND    TAX  AGENCY;    704  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

In  every  city  there  are  individual  examples  of  men  whose  long  connection 
in  business  pursuit  and  whose  record  for  unflinching  integrity  and  untiring 
industry  make  them  objects  of  special  note,  not  alone  in  their  homes,  but 
wherever  commercial  reputation  is  recognized  and  respected.  There  are  few 
men  in  this  city  who  have  won  for  themselves  and  by  their  own  exertion  a 
\  higher  rank  among  the  land  agents  of  Austin  than  Mr.  DeCordova,  the  subject 
of  this  sketch.  Coming  here  over  thirty-five  years  ago  he  soon  identified  him- 
self with  land  matters,  and  familiarized  himself  not  only  with  the  quality  and 
value  of  lands,  but  with  the  land  laws  of  the  State,  making  his  long  experience, 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  81 

coupled  with  his  superior  judgment,  of  rare  value  to  all  who  may  be  interested 
in  land  matters.  He  is  senior  member  of  the  present  firm  of  DeCordova  & 
Son,  land,  tax  and  general  agents  for  every  county  in  Texas.  If  not  the  oldest, 
they  are  one  of  the  oldest  firms  in  the  State.  They  deal  in  land  warrants  and 
certificates,  and  have  lands  for  sale  in  nearly  every  county  in  the  State.  They 
pay  taxes  in  every  county  in  the  State,  examine  lands,  divide  lands  and  pre- 
pare lands  in  such  quantities  as  their  patrons  may  desire,  preparatory  to  sell- 
ing the  same.  Titles  are  examined  and  perfected,  and  records  made  in  the 
proper  counties  to  which  they  belong.  They  invest  money  for  capitalists  and 
can  do  so  where  it  will  bring  a  good  return  by  enhancement  in  value,  either  in 
trust  deeds,  vendors,  liens,  or  land  itself.  They  make  prompt  returns  of  all 
money  received  for  sale  of  lands.  To  parties  who  have  lands  to  sell  or  who 
wish  to  buy,  or  those  who  desire  their  land  interests  carefully  looked  after,  we 
can  commend  them  to  no  safer  hands  than  theirs,  and  none  certainly  whose 
ability  and  reliability  stands  higher.  Business  relations,  both  pleasant  and 
profitable,  can  be  established  by  corresponding  with  the  firm. 

MRS.  M.  WILSON — DEALER  IN  MILLINERY  AND  FANCY  GOODS  ;  911  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

The  above  well-known  and  popular  establishment  was  commenced  by 
Mrs.  Wilson  in  1877  ;  and  since  its  inception  has  enjoyed  a  large  and  rapidly 
increasing  business  which  extends  throughout  the  entire  city  and  State  and 
into  Mexico.  A  force  of  experienced  hands  are  employed,  and  the  work  done 
here  has  the  reputation  of  being  the  best  in  Austin.  A  full  stock  of  millinery 
is  kept  on  hand  and  constantly  replenished  with  the  newest  styles  and 
fashions.  The  prices  of  this  house  are  exceedingly  moderate,  and  the  work 
always  gives  satisfaction,  hence  results  the  popularity  it  enjoys.  Parties  here 
and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with 
Mrs.  Wilson.  Orders  are  promptly  filled,  and  any  information  cheerfully 
given. 

ZIMPELMAN  &  BERGEN— LAND  AND  INSURANCE   AGENTS  ;    No.  105  EAST 
PECAN  STREET. 

In  compiling  a  work  such  as  this,  embracing  a  historical  review  of  the 
business  interests  of  the  city,  we  take  special  pleasure  in  dwelling  at  some 
length  upon  those  branches  of  business  which  are  of  the  most  general  interest, 
and  of  giving  somewhat  more  than  a  passing  notice  to  the  most  prominent  firms 
engaged  in  those  branches.  The  business  in  which  this  city  and  State  are 
most  deeply  interested  at  the  present  time  is  that  of  the  real  estate  agent.  All 
eyes  have  turned  to  Texas  as  offering  the  greatest  inducements  to  capitalists 
wishing  to  invest  their  surplus  funds  in  land,  and  thousands  of  dollars  are 


82  AUSTIN — HER 


annually  pouring  in  here  from  the  overflowing  coffers  of  Northern  and  Eastern 
capitalists.  It  is  of  the  first  importance  to  a  State,  as  well  as  to  the  parties 
immediately  interested  that  the  lands  sold  within  her  borders  should  be  con- 
veyed by  titles  that  are  beyond  dispute,  so  that  the  least  amount  of  litigation 
may  arise  therefrom,  and  that  the  State  should  be  free  from  the  odium  con- 
sequent upon  an  unsettled  and  uncertain  condition  of  land  titles.  Therefore 
the  most  credit  for  enterprise  and  progressiveness  is  not  due  to  those  real  estate 
dealers  who  make  the  largest  aggregate  sales,  but  to  those  who  give  the  bes* 
titles,  and  who  do  the  most  to  settle  the  titles  to  all  the  lands,  that  the  property 
of  the  State  may  be  held  by  its  proper  owners  and  the  courts  less  crowded  with 
litigation  growing  out  of  conflicting  claims  to  real  estate.  Among  the  firms  in 
this  city  which  have  dealt  largely  in  real  estate,  and  whose  transactions  have  been 
characterized  by  special  attention  to  perfecting  the  titles  of  the  lands  sold,  the 
firm  of  Zimpelman  &  Bergen  occupies  the  first  place.  These  gentlemen  began 
business  here  in  1874,  and  recognizing  the  fact  that  honesty  and  reliablity  are 
the  foundation  stones  of  a  successful  business  career,  they  have  endeavored  to 
put  themselves  in  such  a  position  that  when  they  recommend  the  title  of  a 
tract  of  land  sold,  it  will  prove  to  be  as  represented.  So  indefatigable  have 
they  been  that  they  have  now  in  their  office  a  complete  abstract  of  the  title  to 
every  city  lot  or  out  lot  in  the  city  of  Austin,  and  of  every  tract  of  land  in  the 
county  of  Travis.  This  is  the  only  firm  in  the  city  in  possession  of  a  complete 
abstract  of  these  titles,  and  they  are,  therefore,  in  better  position  to  look  after 
the  interests  of  non-resident  owners,  and  to  buy  and  sell  real  estate  in  the  city 
and  county  than  any  other  firm  in  existence.  They  have,  also,  a  copy  of  all 
the  early  records  of  Travis  Land  District,  affecting  the  titles  to  lands  in  the 
counties  of  Hays,  Comal,  Blanco,  Burnet,  Llano,  Lampasas,  San  Saba,  Brown, 
Coleman,  Runnels,  Callahan,  Taylor,  and  others.  Besides  this  they  have  access 
to  the  records  of  the  General  Land  Office,  and  are  fully  prepared  to  give  infor- 
mation concerning  lands  in  any  part  of  the  State.  They  do  a  general  land 
business,  buying  and  selling  city  property,  farms,  ranches  and  timber  lands, 
of  which  they  have  a  variety  on  hand  at  all  times.  They  act  as  agents  for 
non-resident  land  owners,  paying  taxes,  collecting  rents,  and  transacting  all 
other  business  in  the  most  satisfactory  manner.  They  also  negotiate  loans  for 
]  >a  rt ies  desiring  to  borrow  money  on  real  security,  and  as  they  represent  per- 
sons and  corporations  controlling  large  capital,  money  can  be  procured  through 
them  at  the  lowest  rates  of  interest.  This  firm  also  do  a  general  tire 
insurance  business,  being  resident  agents  of  the  North  British  Mercantile, 
Hamburg-Bremen,  Phoenix,  of  London  and  New  Orleans,  all  of  which 
are  among  the  most  solid  and  substantial  fire  companies  of  the  world.  The 
personnel  of  this  firm  is  composed  of  Messrs.  George  B.  Zimpelman,  James  V. 
Bergen,  J.  H.  Daniel,  and  C.  W.  Daniel,  all  gentlemen  who  are  well-known  in 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES. 


83 


business  circles  for  the  enterprise  and  progressiveness,  as  well  as  the  honesty 
and  integrity  which  characterize  their  transactions.  The  Messrs.  Daniel 
attend  to  the  general  business  of  the  firm,  the  time  of  the  other  members 
being  largely  engrossed  by  their  private  affairs.  The  transactions  of  this  house 
are  all  conducted  upon  principles  of  the  broadest  and  most  advanced  liberality, 
and  the  members  of  the  firm,  individually  and  collectively,  are  regarded  as 
among  the  most  enterprising  and  public  spirited  business  men  of  the  city. 
We  cordially  recommend  this  firm  to  our  readers  as  one  upon  whose  repre- 
sentations they  may  rely  implicitly,  and  one  with  which  dealings  will  always 
be  found  both  pleasant  and  profitable.  A  list  of  prices  will  be  furnished  upon 
application,  and  persons  desiring  to  invest  money  in  lands,  in  any  part  of  the 
State,  will  find  it  to  be  to  their  advantage  to  correspond  with  Messrs.  Zimpel- 
maii  &  Bergen,  No.  105  East  Pecan  Street. 

GETTINS,  BOBO  &  CO.— LAND,  LOAN  AND  COLLECTIONS  ;  No.  914  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

Of  late  years  the  attention  of  the  overcrowded  parts,  North,  East  and  in 
Europe,  have  been  attracted  to  the  fertile  soil  of  Texas,  and  as  its  resources  and 
inducements  are  now  well-known,  immigration  has  set  towards  this  State.  Of 
all  the  States  in  the  Union,  Texas  is  the  largest  and  richest,  and  has  well  estab- 
lished the  fact  that  for  soil  and  climate  is 
unsurpassed  anywhere.  The  firm  heading 
this  notice  is  a  very  valuable  acquisition  to 
Austin,  as  their  extensive  connection  with 
Europe  tends  to  bring  to  our  city  capitalists 
who  are  seeking  investment  for  money. 
They  offer  their  services  in  making  large 
loans  to  parties  who  may  desire  loans  on 
lands  or  ranches,  and  for  such  term  of  years 
as  may  be  desired.  They  are  able,  also,  to 
place  large  tracts  of  land  in  the  East  and 
Europe  at  advantageous  rates  to  purchasers. 
,  Their  knowledge  of  the  topography  of  Texas 
and  its  resources,  enable  them  to  place  money  for  capitalists  in  lands  that  are 
sure  to  bring  a  good  return  by  the  rapid  enhancement  in  value,  or  on  loans  at 
liberal  interest.  They  have  a  large  correspondence  with  Mexico,  England, 
Scotland  and  Germany,  and  besides  dealing  in  lands,  mining  property  receives 
a  share  of  their  attention,  and  good  mines  can  be  sold  or  stocked  by  them  in 
England  and  Scotland,  through  a  syndicate  of  capitalists  they  work  with  under 
a  special  agreement.  This  business  is  conducted  upon  a  broad  basis  of  liberal- 
ity and  fair  dealings,  and  they  are  prompt  in  their  correspondence  and  faithful 


84  AUSTIN — HER 


to  their  patrons'  interests.  A  specialty  of  the  house  is  in  representing  an 
English  patent  for  meat  slaughtering  and  preserving.  The  firm  is  ready  to 
negotiate  with  stockmen,  who  desire  to  slaughter  their  fat  beeves  for  shipment 
to  Europe  or  the  Eastern  States.  They  have  secured  from  the  patentee  in 
England,  the  right  to  grant  licenses  to  such  companies.  By  this  process  the 
meat  can  be  shipped  to  any  part  of  the  world  without  refrigerators  or  ice,  and 
be  in  perfect  condition  so  long  as  it  is  kept  below  55  degrees  of  zero.  Readers 
may  rest  assured  of  receiving  at  the  hands  of  this  firm  pleasant  and  profitable 
business  relations. 

MISS  MARY  E.  FRANKS — DRESSMAKER  ;  CONGRESS  AVENUE,  CORNER  Bois 
D'ARC  STREET. 

Miss  Franks  is  a  lady  well-known  in  Austin,  where  she  has  resided  sixteen 
years,  always  enjoying  a  liberal  share  of  the  most  desirable  patronage  in  the 
city  and  State.  Her  work  invariably  gives  satisfaction  in  all  respects,  and 
orders  from  any  point  receive  prompt  attention.  Any  information  regarding 
her  business  is  cheerfully  given,  and  parties  here  and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  ! 
their  advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with  her  in  matters  pertaining  to  her 
business. 

JOHN  A.  WEBB   &   BRO. — AGRICULTURAL  IMPLEMENTS  AND  WAGONS  ;  212, 
214  AND  216  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

Texas  is  rapidly  becoming  the  greatest  farming  region  of  America  or  the 
world ;  hence  those  firms  which  deal  in  farming  implements,  wagons,  etc., 
have  a  peculiar  claim  on  the  attention  of  our  people.  In  this  connection  we 
give  a  sketch  of  the  house  of  John  A.  Webb  &  Bro.  This  firm  was  founded 
in  1871,  and  from  its  inception  took  a  leading  position.  They  occupy  the 
immense  building  numbered  212,  214  and  216  East  Pecan  Street,  79x128  feet 
in  dimensions,  and  two  stories  in  height.  The  building  is  substantially  con- 
structed, and  provided  with  every  convenience  for  the  rapid  and  systematic 
conduct  of  their  business.  Their  trade,  which  reaches  a  large  and  fast  increas- 
ing annual  sum  total,  extends  throughout  the  city  and  adjoining  counties. 
Messrs.  J.  A.  Webb  &  Bro.  carry  a  complete  line,  being  agents  for  the  celebrated 
Cooper,  Whitewater  and  Studebaker  wagons;  the  world-renowned  Glidden 
barb  wire,  made  by  the  Washburn  &  Moen  Manufacturing  Co..  of  Worcester, 
Mass.,  the  largest  manufacturers  of  barb  wire  in  the  world,  and  the  well-known 
Malta  cultivators  and  double  shovels.  They  are  also  agents  for  the  Moline 
Plow  Co.'s  goods,  made  at  Moline,  Illinois.  They  also  carry  an  assortment  of 
farm  implements,  wagons,  buggies,  threshers,  mowers,  reapers,  engines,  plows, 
gins  and  rubber  belting,  which,  being  bought  direct  from  the  factories,  are 
placed  to  the  trade  at  bottom  prices.  Messrs.  John  A.  Webb  and  Joseph  W. 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  85 

Webb,  who  compose  the  firm,  are  gentlemen  of  the  highest  standing  in  busi- 
ness circles,  and  worthy  members  of  society.  Possessing  ample  experience 
and  fine  facilities,  they  can  invite  competition  from  any  source,  and  parties 
here  and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their  interest  to  correspond  with  or  call  on 
them.  All  communications  are  promptly  answered  and  information  in  all 
points  regarding  their  business  given.  With  the  present  rapid  growth  of 
Austin,  their  business  has  no  limit  to  its  future  extension. 

THE   NEW   AND   PURITY   TEA  AND   COFFEE  STORE— J.   C.   BEALL, 
PROPRIETOR;  910  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

This  new  enterprise  has  but  recently  been  started,  but  from  appearances 
it  proves  to  be  one  of  the  most  important  of  this  kind  in  the  city.  Mr.  J.  C. 
Beall,  the  sole  proprietor,  has  been  a  resident  of  Austin  since  1881,  and  he 
ranks  high  both  in  business  and  social  circles.  He  is  very  favorably  located  at 
No.  910  Congress  Avenue,  and  his  store  is  arranged  in  a  neat  and  attractive 
manner.  He  carries  a  full  line  of  all  teas  and  coffees,  namely :  Old  Govern- 
ment Java,  Santos,  Mocha,  Laguayra,  etc.,  pure  spices,  sugars,  molasses,  flour, 
rice,  pickles,  sauces,  milk,  preserves,  jellies,  etc.,  all  guaranteed  to  be  fresh  and 
pure,  and  at  the  very  lowest  prices.  Orders  are  solicited  for  everything  in  the 
grocery  line,  and  goods  are  delivered  to  any  part  of  the  city  free  of  charge. 
From  facts  at  hand,  we  feel  justified  in  saying  that  all  who  effect  relations  with 
this  house  will  derive  advantages  that  cannot  readily  be  accorded  elsewhere. 

THE  ERIE  TELEGRAPH  AND  TELEPHONE  COMPANY— J.  K.  DUNBAR, 
GENERAL  SUPERINTENDENT. 

One  of  the  most  important  enterprises  connected  with  the  prosperity  and 
growth  of  Austin  is  the  Erie  Telegraph  and  Telephone  Company,  whose  head- 
quarters for  Texas  and  Arkansas  are  situated  here.  Established  in  Austin  in 
1881,  its  growth  has  been  exceedingly  rapid,  and  it  now  numbers  on  its  list  the 
principal  firms  of  Texas,  as  well  as  many  private  houses.  A  total  of  fifteen 
persons  are  employed  in  Austin,  seven  in  the  general  office  and  eight  in  the 
exchange  office,  and  upwards  of  500  are  employed  in  Texas  and  Arkansas. 
There  is  connection  with  the  following  towns :  New  Braunfels,  Baird,  Bertram, 
Burnet,  Boerne,  Belton,  Comanche,  Coleman,  Fredericksburg,  Georgetown, 
Lampasas,  Leon  Springs,  Lockhart,  Round  Rock,  Eagle  Pass,  Temple,  Salado, 
and  many  others.  There  will  soon  be  connection  between  Temple  and  Waco, 
which  will  add  125  towns  to  the  list,  thus  vastly  increasing  its  already  great 
facilities.  The  Company  use  the  best  and  most  improved  telephones  only,  and 
its  corps  of  officers  and  assistants  is  efficient  and  active.  The  officers  are :  J.  K. 
Dunbar,  Superintendent ;  J.  0.  Carruthers,  Auditor ;  W.  H.  Pillow,  Superintend- 
ent of  Supplies,  in  Austin  ;  and  W.  A.  Ingam,  President,  and  Chas.  J.  Glidden, 


86  AUSTIN — HER 


Treasurer,  Lowell,  Massachusetts;  J.  P.  McKinistry,  General  Superintendent, 
Cleveland,  Ohio.  Being  on  a  substantial  basis,  pecuniary  and  otherwise,  the 
future  of  this  company  is  as  well  assured  as  that  of  any  corporation  in  the 
country,  and  will  long  continue  to  form,  as  it  does  now,  a  very  integral  part  of 
the  business  interest  of  Austin.  With  the  universal  use  of  the  telephone 
throughout  the  Union,  no  house  who  would  keep  up  with  the  times  can  afford 
to  be  without  one  of  this  company's  instruments  in  its  office. 

T.  P.  ROBINSON— HIDES  AND  WOOL  ;  608  AND  610  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

In  reviewing  the  business  interests  of  Austin,  the  enterprise  whose  name 
heads  our  article  is  deserving  an  important  place.  Mr.  Robinson  established 
his  business  in  1880,  and  since  that  time,  has  increased  it  in  a  very  gratifying 
extent  indeed.  He  enjoys  facilities  possessed  by  no  other  similar  firm  in  Aus- 
tin. Mr.  Robinson  is  enabled  to  give  the  very  highest  cash  prices  for  wool  and 
hides,  and  parties  who  have  these  articles  on  sale  will  do  well-  to  call  or  corre- 
spond with  him.  Mr.  Robinson  is  a  gentleman  well  known  and  esteemed,  and 
with  the  rapid  growth  of  Austin  and  the  State,  there  are  no  limits  to  the  future 
extension  of  his  business. 

UNDERHILL  &  CO. — PROPRIETORS  AUSTIN  MARBLE  WORKS,  MANUFACTURERS 
AND  DEALERS  IN  NATIVE  AND  IMPORTED  MARBLE  AND  GRANITE  ;  NORTH- 
WEST CORNER  CAPITOL  SQUARE. 

Of  the  many  industries  that  employ  a  higher  grade  of  skilled  labor,  and 
one  rising  above  the  mere  power  of  mechanical  skill  and  verging  into  the 
artistic,  is  that  of  the  marble  and  monumental  works  of  the  country.  Within 
the  past  few  years  the  cemeteries  of  our  cities  have  become  attractive  spots  for 
visitors,  on  account  of  their  many  beautiful  monuments  and  headstones. 
There  is  no  establishment  in  Austin  that  has  contributed  more  in  this  respect 
than  the  one  whose  name  heads  this  sketch.  Messrs.  R.  B.  Underbill  and  A.  J. 
Jernigan  are  the  individual  members  of  the  firm,  which  was  established  in  the 
business  here  in  1880.  Their  buildings  and  yards  are  located  on  the  north- 
west corner  of  the  Capitol  Square,  and  embrace  about  three-fourths  of  an  acre, 
for  the  successful  production  of  all  the  finer  grades  of  work  pertaining  to  the 
art,  and  employment  is  given  to  as  many  as  twelve  or  fifteen  skilled  artisans 
in  the  busy  season.  They  manufacture  tombstones,  monuments,  statues, 
statuettes,  busts,  medallions,  plaster  casts,  mantels,  grates,  terra  cotta  work, 
vases,  lawn  chairs  and  iron  fencing,  and  also  do  modeling  and  designing.  For 
quality  of  stock  and  artistic  skill  in  finish,  the  work  turned  out  here  cannot  be 
surpassed  by  any  other  establishment.  The  trade  not  only  receives  a  local 
demand,  but  demands  from  all  parts  of  the  State,  and  to  some  extent  from 
Mexico,  which  may  be  regarded  as  a  just  tribute  to  energy  and  superior  work- 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  87 

manship.  The  proprietors  give  their  personal  supervision  to  all  the  details  of 
their  popular  establishment,  thus  ensuring  to  patrons  and  customers  the  most 
perfect  and  complete  satisfaction.  This  enterprise  is  well  worthy  the  attention 
of  our  many  readers  throughout  the  South,  and  as  an  important  addition  to 
the  industries  of  Austin  is  entitled  to  the  special  recognition  which  it  has  been 
accorded  in  the  present  volume. 

W.  MOSES  &  SON — MERCHANT  TAILORS,  DEALERS  IN  FINE  CLOTHING,  GENTS' 
FURNISHING  GOODS,  HATS,  TRUNKS,  VALISES,  ETC.;  613  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

Undoubtedly  the  leading  establishment  in  Austin  in  the  clothing  and 
gents'  furnishing  goods  line  is  that  of  Messrs.  Moses  &  Son,  which,  located  in 
the  most  fashionable  portion  of  the  city,  has  for  some  time  occupied  without 
dispute  this  position.  This  firm  carry  a  very  large  and  select  stock  of  goods, 
embracing  fine  clothing,  gents'  furnishing  goods,  hats,  trunks,  valises,  and,  in 
short,  every  article  found  in  a  first-class  establishment  of  this  description. 
These  gentlemen  are  also  merchant  tailors,  and  among  their  many  regular 
customers  will  be  found  many  of  the  most  prominent  citizens  and  business 
men  of  the  State.  Thoroughly  acquainted  with  the  grades  of  the  Northern 
markets,  they  are  always  enabled  to  purchase  the  best  of  everything,  selecting 
their  goods  with  the  skill  of  those  long  accustomed  to  this  business.  Their 
present  position  as  leaders  of  the  fashion  of  Austin,  has  been  obtained  by 
unceasing  application  to  business,  and  a  nice  appreciation  of  the  wants  of  their 
customers,  and  we  can  safely  recommend  them  to  all  who  wish  the  best  goods 
in  Austin  at  the  most  reasonable  prices. 

JOHN  BREMOND — WOLESALE  DEALER  IN  DRY  GOODS,  BOOTS,  SHOES,  HATS 
FURNISHING  GOODS,  GROCERIES,  ETC.  ;  109,  111  AND  113  EAST  PECAN 
STREET. 

Among  the  names  of  those  who  have  been  foremost  in  adding  to  the  com- 
mercial importance  of  Austin,  and  in  extending  her  trade,  there  is  none  more 
conspicuous  than  that 'of  John  Bremond.  John  Bremond,  the  elder,  came  here 
from  Philadelphia,  and  established  a  general  mercantile  and  banking  business 
thirty-nine  years  ago,  and  though  the  business  long  ago  passed  from  its  founder 
to  his  two  sons,  and  was  divided  between  them,  the  head  of  the  mercantile 
house  is  still  John  Bremond,  and  that  name  is  to-day,  as  it  has  been  for  years, 
of  the  first  importance  in  Austin's  commercial  calender.  The  building  occu- 
pied by  Mr.  Bremond  is  a  two  story  brick  structure,  70x165  feet  in'area,  with  a 
one  story  warehouse  attached,  covering  a  space  of  80x128  feet,  eachjbuilding 
having  a  dry  cellar.  These  two  buildings  afford  an  immense  amount  of  room, 
but  no  more  than  is  required  for  the  accommodation  of  the  stock  carried.  This 
stock  embraces  a  full  and  complete  line  of  dry  goods,  boots,  shoes,  hats, 


AUSTIN — HER 


notions,  furnishing  goods,  and  groceries,  including  the  best  and  most  popular 
brands  known  to  the  market,  all  bought  with  special  reference  to  the  trade  for 
which  they  were  intended,  and  selected  with  that  careful  and  discriminating 
judgment  which  can  only  be  acquired  by  great  practical  experience.  This 
house,  having  a  larger  trade  than  any  similar  institution  in  the  city,  buys  its 
goods  for  cash  in  greater  quantities,  thus  being  able  to  procure  them  at  the  low- 
est possible  prices.  This,  together  with  the  unrivaled  facilities  which  it  has 
for  handling  its  stock  at  small  cost,  enables  it  to  offer  customers  inducements  in 
the  way  of  low  prices,  which  less  favored  competitors  find  it  impossible  to 
duplicate.  Mr.  Bremond,  conducts  his  business  upon  the  most  conservative 
methods,  paying  careful  attention  to  the  quality  of  his  trade,  rather  than  to  its 
quantity,  the  long  established,  unimpeachable  reputation  of  his  house  bringing 
to  him  the  most  desirable  patronage  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  enabling 
him  to  be  independent  of  those  customers  whose  trade  is  accompanied  by  more 
than  a  minimum  risk.  His  patrons  are  his  friends,  and  it  is  a  fact  which  par- 
takes of  the  phenomenal,  and  one  in  which  he  is  justified  in  feeling  a  pride, 
that  of  the  millions  of  dollars  which  his  trade  has  aggregated  during  the  last 
seventeen  years,  his  losses  have  been  very  small.  For  a  retail  house  to  be  able 
to  open  an  account  with  the  house  of  John  Bremond,  is  a  compliment  to  its 
commercial  standing,  and  the  honesty  and.  integrity  of  its  management.  It  is 
such  houses  as  this  that  have  added  most  to  the  honor  and  dignity  of  the  com- 
mercial world,  and  which  do  the  most  for  the  development,  growth  and  pros- 
perity of  a  city. 

PADGITT  &  WARMOTH — MANUFACTURERS  OF  SADDLERY,  AND  WHOLESALE 
DEALERS  IN  SADDLERY  HARDWARE,  LEATHER,  BOOT  AND  SHOE  FINDINGS, 
ETC.;  304  AND  306  EAST  PECAN  STREET.  BRANCH  HOUSES,  DALLAS, 
WACO,  FORT  WORTH,  BRYAN,  MEXIA  AND  BROWNWOOD. 

In  reviewing  the  large  and  increasing  business  interests  of  Austin,  the 
manufacturing  and  wholesale  houses  naturally  take  the  first  place  ;  hence  a 
detailed  sketch  of  the  firm  of  Padgitt  &  Warmoth,  who  rank  among  the 
largest  manufacturers  in  their  line,  not  only  in  Texas,  but  the  South,  is  neces- 
sary. Established  in  1877,  from  their  inception  they  took  a  leading  position, 
and  to-day  they  carry  an  immense  stock,  aggregating  $60,000  in  value,  while 
their  sales,  which  extend  throughout  Texas,  Arkansas,  Louisiana,  Tennessee 
and  Mississippi,  reach  nearly  half  a  million  dollars  annually,  and  are  rapidly 
increasing.  This  splendid  result  is  due  to  superior  quality  of  goods  manu- 
factured by  this  firm,  their  goods  for  quality,  finish,  durability  and  cheapness 
competing  favorably  with  those  of  Northern  and  Western  houses.  Their 
store,  which  is  one  of  the  finest  for  business  purposes  in  Texas,  is  36x120  feet 
in  dimensions,  and  two  stories  in  height;  is  thoroughly  fitted  out  and  admir- 


TRADE,   COMMERCE  AND  INDUSTRIES.  89 


ably  lighted  and  ventilated.  Upwards  of  twenty  skilled  hands  are  employed, 
who  manufacture  all  styles  of  saddlery,  horses'  and  mules'  outfits,  straps,  etc., 
and  a  large  stock  of  fine  leather  and  boot  and  shoe  findings  is  also  kept  on 
hand  for  the  trade.  The  firm  make  a  specialty  of  saddle  girths,  which,  manu- 
factured from  their  own  designs,  have  a  wide  and  favorable  reputation. 
Messrs.  Tom  Padgitt  and  G.  H.  Warmoth  compose  the  firm ;  Mr.  Warmoth 
being  the  resident  partner  and  conducting  the  business.  Both  gentlemen  are 
well  known  in  and  out  of  business  circles,  and  have  had  long  and  thorough 
experience  in  their  business.  Possessing  ample  capital  and  facilities,  they 
offer  inducements  to  buyers  which  few  can  duplicate,  and  parties  here  and 
elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  call  on  them  or  correspond  with 
them.  All  communications  are  promptly  answered,  and  a  comparison  of 
prices  invited.  They  will  also  furnish  on  application  a  fine  illustrated  cata- 
logue of  77  pages,  from  which  any  information  can  be  obtained. 


MRS.  M.  A.  McCLURE — DEALER  IN  STAPLE  AND  FANCY  GROCERIES,  PRODUCE, 
FRUITS,  TOBACCO,  CIGARS,  ETC.;  906  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

In  the  compiling  of  a  work  of  this  character,  every  business  venture  that 
evidences  genuine  enterprise  and  energy  is  entitled  to  due  consideration  in  its 
pages.  A  well  located,  well  arranged  grocery  is  of  special  interest  to  the  house- 
keepers, inspiring  them  as  it  does  with  confidence  that  they  will  be  furnished 
with  choice,  fresh  articles  for  family  consumption.  The  establishment  of  Mrs. 
M.  A.  McClure  is  pre-eminently  one  of  this  class.  She  deals  in  all  kinds  of 
staple  and  fancy  groceries,  produce,  fruits,  tobacco,  cigars,  and,  in  fact,  all  articles 
found  in  a  first-class  grocery.  Her  trade  is  mostly  confined  to  the  city,  and 
goods  are  delivered  to  any  part  of  the  city  free  of  charge.  Her  two  sons  assist 
her  in  carrying  on  this  enterprise  and  prompt  attention  is  given  to  the  wants 
of  all  patrons.  Mrs.  McClure  has  conducted  this  business  for  the  last  twelve 
years ;  she  is  well-known  and  highly  esteemed  in  business  circles,  and  enjoys 
an  enviable  reputation  as  a  straight-forward,  honorable  dealer,  and  to  this  fact 
is  due  the  flourishing  trade  she  has  built  up. 

MADAME  E.  F.  DUKE — PROPRIETOR  OF  "TEMPLETON'S  EYE  WATER"  AND 
"  DR.  HARLAND'S  MEDICATED  BATHS  ;"  118  EAST  Bois  D'ARC  STREET. 

Among  the  modern  inventions  of  science  which  have  conferred  the 
greatest  benefits  on  mankind,  we  must  mention  the  above  renowned  remedies. 
Madame  Duke  has  introduced  these  remedies  in  spite  of  all  the  opposition  of 
envious  physicians,  whose  patients,  almost  blinded  by  their  mode  of  treatment, 
came  to  this  lady  and  were  cured.  Hundreds  of  testimonials  from  all  parts  of 
the  country  testify  to  the  marvelous  efficacy  of  "Templeton's  Eye  Water," 
and  many  in  Austin  and  the  surrounding  country  to-day  see  and  read  without 


90  AUSTIN — HER 


difficulty,  who,  when  first  placed  under  her  treatment,  were  nearly  blinded. 
Her  "  Dr.  Harland's  Medicated  Baths  "  are  also  the  best  known  cure  for  rheu- 
matism, neuralgia,  sciatica,  blood  poisoning,  and  all  diseases  of  that  class. 
Some  of  the  most  prominent  ladies  and  gentlemen  (among  them  a  well  known 
physician)  of  Austin,  and  other  places  have  been  thoroughly  cured  by  these 
baths.  Madame  Duke  cheerfully  gives  any  information  regarding  her  reme- 
dies ;  and  orders  for  the  Eye  Water  receive  prompt  attention,  as  it  is  shipped 
by  express  to  any  part  of  the  United  States.  She  has  ample  accommodations 
for  patients  who  desire  a  course  of  treatment ;  and  those  afflicted  either  with 
sore  eyes,  rheumatism,  blood  poisoning,  sciatica,  etc.,  will  find  it  a  lasting 
advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with  her. 

READ   WHAT   THE   PEOPLE   SAY   ABOUT   THE   EYE   WATER: 

OLD  ROUND  ROCK,  Williamson  County. 

I  do  certify  that  I  went  blind  in  1863,  from  working  for  the  Confederate 
Government  making  salt,  and  then  for  my  blindness  I  tried  everything  I  ever 
heard  of,  but  all  failed.  In  1872,  I  went  entirely  blind  and  remained  so  until 
1876,  when  my  eyes  became  raw  from  extreme  inflammation  that  the  lids  were 
growing  together ;  then  I  got  so  that  I  could  get  about.  The  nerves  being  so 
badly  injured  that  I  was  in  a  blind.  J  then  commenced  using  eye  water 
known  as  Templeton's  Eye  Water,  and  my  eye-sight  is  sufficiently  good  for  me 
to  read  and  write  for  a  short  time.  I  believe  it  to  be  the  best  Eye  Water  now 
in  use  for  all  chronic  cases  of  sore  eyes.  It  is  a  sure  remedy  if  used  according 
to  directions,  and  for  which,  gentlemen,  I  am  under  many  obligations  to  you 
for  this  great  remedy  that  has  restored  my  sight  again.  So  I  return  many 
thanks  to  you  and  my  God. 

February  15,  1882.  S.  J.  HICKS. 

OLD  ROUND  ROCK,  February  15,  1882. 

This  is  to  certify  that  I  have  used  the  Templeton  Eye  Water  with  great 
success.  On  one  occasion  my  wife  got  a  scale  of  concentrated  lye  in  her  eye, 
and  she  suffered  great  pain  for  five  days  ;  upon  an  application  of  Templeton's 
Eye  Water  she  got  instant  relief.  I  know  an  old  lady  who  was  blind  from  a 
cataract  on  her  eyes  and  was  cured  by  using  Templeton's  Eye  Water.  I  could 
mention  many  others  who  have  been  cured,  but  a  word  to  the  wise  is  sufficient. 
Yours  truly,  JAS.  G.  HARRELL. 

ROUND  ROCK,  February  14,  1882. 

This  is  to  certify  that  my  brother-in-law's  family  (nine  in  number),  were 
all  taken  with  inflammatory  sore  eyes.  Their  eyes  were  so  much  swollen  and 
as  red  as  blood,  so  that  they  could  not  bear  the  light  of  day  upon  them.  I 
advised  them  to  use  Templeton's  Eye  Water.  They  got  two  bottles,  costing 
fifty  cents,  and  it  cured  them  all  sound  in  five  days.  My  advice  to  all  persons 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  91 


afflicted  with  chronic  or  inflammatory  sore  eyes  is  to  use  Templeton's  Eye 
Water,  as  I  know  hundreds  of  cases  in  our  midst  that  it  has  cured. 

D.  M.  KENT,  Marshal  of  Round  Rock. 

DR.  TEMPLETON  : — In  behalf  of  the  suffering  and  blind,  I  want  to  thank 
God  and  you  for  the  great  discovery  of  your  excellent  Eye  Water.  I  resided 
and  practiced  medicine  in  connection  with  Dr.  Ideld,  in  France,  who  was  a 
celebrated  oculist.  But  in  many  cases  he  failed  to  effect  a  cure,  but  your  Eye 
Water,  in  every  instance,  has  proved  a  success.  One  gentleman  came  to  me 
for  treatment,  whose  eyes  I  examined  and  found  so  granulated,  that  I  saw  no 
chance  for  a  cure  and  refused  treatment.  However,  I  gave  him  the  samples 
you  left  with  me  and  they  cured  him  sound  and  well.  My  brother-in-law  had 
chronic  sore  eyes  and  finally  went  entirely  blind.  He  tried  many  of  the  best 
oculists  in  New  Orleans  and  Mobile,  but  found  no  relief.  Upon  my  recom- 
mendation he  tried  your  Eye  Water,  and  was  soon  able  to  read  a  newspaper. 
I  have  used  it  in  my  practice  and  can  heartily  recommend  it  to  all  who  are 
afflicted  with  sore  eyes.  I  would  to  God  that  it  could  reach  the  world  of 
suffering  and  blind.  Please  send  me  another  supply. 

Your  grateful  friend,  B.  T.  CRUMLY,  M.  D. 

AUSTIN,  January  8,  1883. 

This  is  to  certify  that  I  was  cured  of  neuralgia  by  Mrs.  E.  F.  Duke,  which 
has  not  returned  since.  I  consider  myself  permanently  cured.  Miss  Jennie 
Haux,  Mrs.  F.  C.  McKinney,  Mrs.  M.  L.  Nixon,  Mrs.  Nan.  E.  Ooley,  and  Mrs. 
Mary  Coats.  Office  in  Brown's  Red  Brick. 

STEWART  &  HABICHT— LAW,  CLAIM,  BANKING  AND  COLLECTION  OFFICE  ; 
716  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

In  the  standing  and  responsibility  of  its  business  houses,  Austin  need  not 
fear  comparison  with  any  city  in  the  country.  Hence,  in  reviewing  the  most 
prominent  firms,  a  detailed  notice  of  the  well-known  one  whose  name  heads 
our  article  is  necessary.  The  firm  of  Stewart  &  Habicht  transact  a  law,  claim, 
banking  and  general  collection  business  in  all  its  branches ;  render  and  pay 
taxes  for  non-residents,  and  perfect  titles  to  lands ;  also  buying  and  selling 
lands  on  commission.  They  have  peculiarly  favorable  facilities  for  tracing  out 
and  perfecting  weak  or  imperfect  titles.  Their  correspondents  are  found  all 
over  the  Union,  and  this,  combined  with  their  long  and  varied  experience, 
render  them  thoroughly  fitted  to  successfully  transact  their  business  in  all  its 
details.  Messrs.  Joe  H.  Stewart  and  A.  E.  Habicht,  who  compose  the  firm,  are 
both  gentlemen  well  known  in  and  out  of  business  circles.  Parties  here  and 
elsewhere  having  business  in  their  line  will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to  call 
on  or  correspond  with  them,  as  all  dealings  are  invariably  satisfactory,  prompt- 
ness and  thoroughness  being  their  rules. 


92 


AUSTIN — HER 


R.  T.  BANDY — (SUCCESSOR  TO  BANDY  &  PARKER),  SADDLERY  AND  HARNESS  ; 
209  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

Among  the  most  progressive  and  enterprising  houses  of  Austin,  we  must 
mention  the  one  whose  name  heads  our  list ;  and  which,  established  in  1878, 
from  its  inception  took  a  leading  position.  Mr.  Bandy  occupies  a  building 
24x120  feet  in  dimensions,  well  fitted  out  and  equipped  with  every  conven- 
ience for  the  prompt  and  systematic  con- 
duct of  the  business.  He  employs  a 
large  and  skillful  force  of  workmen, 
and  his  trade,  which  reaches  a  large 
and  constantly  increasing  amount,  ex- 
tends throughout  the  city,' State,  Colo- 
rado, Kansas,  Nebraska,  New  Mexico, 
Arkansas  and  Louisiana.  The  work 
done  here  will  compare  favorably  with 
any  in  the  country  ;  and  prompt  atten- 
tion is  given  to  all  orders.  While 
manufacturing  all  lines  of  saddlery  and 
harness,  Mr.  Bandy  makes  a  specialty 
of  cowmen's  outfits,  stock  saddles  and 
light  harness,  for  which  he  has  a  repu- 
tation unequaled  in  Austin.  Mr.  Bandy  is  a  gentleman  well  known  in  and 
out  of  business  circles,  and  parties  here  and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their 
advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with  him. 

CARROLLTON  HOUSE— WEST  PECAN  STREET,  HALF  BLOCK  WEST  OF  THE 
POSTOFFICE;  DR.  A.  D.  HARN,  PROPRIETOR. 

Among  the  public  houses  in  this  city  there  are  none  enjoying  a  higher 
reputation  for  the  embodiment  of  every  requisite  essential  in  a  first-class  hotel 
than  that  of  the  well-known  Carrollton  House,  on  West  Pecan  street.  In  the 
first  place,  the  location  of  this  hotel  is  the  most  eligible,  being  situated  near 
the  business  center  of  the  city,  convenient  to  almost  any  point,  and  but  half 
a  square  from  the  postoffice.  In  the  second  place,  the  building  in  all  its 
appointments  and  equipments,  is  admirably  adapted  to  the  purpose  for  which 
it  is  used ;  and  in  the  third  place,  its  proprietor  and  attaches  are  experienced 
and  efficient  in  their  duties  as  caterers  to  the  public,  making  the  Carrollton 
House  particularly  inviting  to  the  traveling  community  desiring  practical  con- 
veniencies  and  comforts.  This  house  is  a  two-story  frame  building,  with 
pleasant,  well  ventilated  apartments,  sufficient  to  accommodate  fifty  to  seventy- 
five  guests ;  a  large  and  conveniently  appointed  office,  handsomely  furnished 
reception  rooms,  ample  baggage  rooms,  and  a  dining  room  especially  inviting 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  93 

in  every  feature  requisite  to  establish  a  feeling  of  comfort,  peace  and  good  will 
among  guests,  while  satisfying  the  inner  wants  of  nature.  In  every  respect, 
the  "  Carrollton "  is  a  first-class  hotel,  not  surpassed  by  any  in  the  city,  and 
under  the  able  management  of  Dr.  A.  D.  Harn,  holds  a  high  rank  among  Aus- 
tin's famous  institutions  for  public  entertainment.  Mr.  Harn  has  been  con- 
ducting this  business  for  the  past  eight  years,  and  understands  it  thoroughly 
in  all  its  branches.  He  has  an  extensive  acquaintance  with  the  traveling  pub- 
lic, and  his  personal  popularity  will  always  insure  the  Carrollton  House  a  gen- 
erous support. 

AUSTIN  COAL  CO. — MATTINGSLEY  &  Co.,  AGENTS  ;  CORNER  OF  COLORADO  AND 
RAILROAD  TRACK. 

Situated  most  conveniently  to  the  railroad  is  the  office  and  sheds  of  this 
extensive  coal  company,  thus  avoiding  all  unnecessary  expense  in  handling 
this  heavy  article  of  commerce.  They  have  provided  every  facility  to  conduct 
this  business  in  an  economical  manner,  and  their  patrons  may  rest  assured 
they  are  as  well  cared  for  as  any  in  the  State.  They  handle  all  kinds  of  bitu- 
minous and  anthracite  coal,  and  make  a  specialty  of  the  celebrated  Indian  Ter- 
ritory coal  that  has  become  so  famous  in  Texas.  They  deliver  coal  to  all  parts 
of  the  city  with  despatch,  and  no  orders  are  neglected.  Merchants  and  dealers 
along  the  line  of  the  railroad  will  find  as  fair  and  honorable  dealings  at  the 
hands  of  this  enterprising  firm  as  they  could  ask  or  have  a  right  to  expect. 
We  can  cheerfully  commend  our  readers,  who  do  business  in  this  line,  to  this 
wholesale  and  retail  coal  company,  and  can  assure  them  that  they  will  receive 
at  their  hands  as  many  decided  advantages  as  can  be  found  in  the  State  of 
Texas. 

C.  R.  JOHNS  &  SONS— TEXAS  STATE  AGENCY  ;  1000  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Texas,  with  her  millions  of  acres  of  land,  will  always  need  men  of 
experience  and  sound  judgment  to  represent  these  among  settlers,  speculators 
and  land  dealers  generally.  Among  the  oldest  and  ablest  conducted  enter- 
prises in  this  line  is  the  Texas  State  Agency,  incorporated  under  the  State 
laws  of  Texas  in  June,  1884.  This  company  is  an  outgrowth  of  an  enterprise 
of  this  character  started  by  Mr.  C.  R.  Johns,  the  President  of  the  present  com- 
pany, many  years  ago,  and  for  which  he  was  well  fitted  by  being  previously 
connected  with  the  public  offices,  and  was  comptroller  for  several  years.  He 
was  born  near  Murfreesborough,  Tennessee,  and  came  to  Texas  in  an  early  day, 
about  1836,  and  has  filled  many  offices  of  trust  and  honor.  His  two  sons, 
Tom  D.  and  J.  P.  Johns,  were  born  in  Texas,  reared  practically  to  the  business, 
and  now,  in  the  prime  of  life,  are  giving  their  entire  energy  to  the  business. 
Mr.  H.  L.  Haynes  manages  the  tax  department,  and  Mr.  S.  G.  Sneed  has 


94  AUSTIN — HER 


charge  of  the  chief  land  department.  They  conduct  a  general  land  business 
over  the  entire  State,  own  large  tracts  of  land  which  have  been  acquired  at 
bargains  and  can  be  sold  at  remarkably  low  figures,  and  do  a  general  land 
business  on  commission.  They  attend  to  the  assessment  and  payment  of  taxes 
in  Counties  and  Comptroller's  office ;  inspection  of  lands  and  report  as  to 
quality,  value  and  occupancy  ;  adjustment  of  titles  and  recovery  of  interest 
in  lands  ;  business  of  every  character  in  General  Land  Office  ;  purchase,  sale, 
lease  and  protection  of  lands ;  redemption  of  lands  sold  for  taxes  ;  investment 
and  loan  of  money  ;  collection  of  claims  against  the  State  and  settlement  of  col- 
lectors' and  other  accounts ;  business  with  the  several  departments  of  the  State 
government.  They  have  within  secured  walls  first-class  fire  proof  vaults 
where  yaluable  papers  of  all  kinds,  such  as  bonds,  deeds,  mortgages,  title 
papers  of  all  kinds  can  be  safely  cared  for.  With  these  facilities  and 
the  long  experience  in  this  business  which  they  have  had,  makes  the  firm 
one  of  the  most  desirable  to  form  the  acquaintance  of,  and  consult  on  any 
matters  connected  with  the  land  business,  and  any  business  conducted  at  this 
office  will  prove  entirely  satisfactory,  and  lands  passing  through  their  hands 
will  be  found,  as  regards  title,  perfect  in  every  particular.  We  can  safely  say  to 
our  readers,  who  desire  any  information  on  lands,  that  they  will  consult  their 
own  interests  when  they  correspond  and  form  the  acquaintance  of  this  truly 
reliable  company.  It  is  impossible  in  an  article  of  this  character,  to  set  forth 
all  the  details  of  their  business,  and  we  can  only  advise  our  patrons  to  corres- 
pond with  them  for  particulars,  and  they  will  be  found  prompt  and  pleasant 
correspondents. 

NEWNING,  TURNER  &  WARNER— REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE  AGENTS  ; 
720  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

This  company  is  composed  of  experienced  real  estate  and  insurance 
agents,  well  known  to  the  people  of  Austin  and  the  State  of  Texas.  The  indi- 
vidual members  of  the  firm  are  Messrs.  Chas.  A.  Newning,  Fred  W.  Turner 
and  Geo.  P.  Warner,  all  enterprising  men  and  in  the  prime  of  life.  They 
conduct  a  general  real  estate  business  in  all  its  branches,  embracing  abstracting, 
loaning,  paying  taxes,  looking  after  estates  generally,  both  in  and  out  of  the 
city,  and  all  business  with  the  State  Department.  This  firm  have  for  sale  large 
and  small  bodies  of  land  in  the  counties  adjoining  Travis  county,  composed  of 
the  richest  black  soil  for  farming  purposes,  land  that  will  raise  a  bale  of  cotton 
per  acre,  and  cerial  crops  in  proportion.  Much  of  this  land  is  already  in  cul- 
tivation, and  new  comers  can  yet  be  supplied  with  unbroken  lands  at  low  fig- 
ures. They  will  gladly  correspond  with  parties  desirous  of  further  details  and 
descriptions.  Besides  the  local  real  estate  business  they  give  special  attention 
to  the  buying  and  selling  of  ranches  and  stock  of  all  kinds.  Their  insurance 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  95 

department  is  ably  conducted  in  the  interest  of  the  following  companies :  Phoenix, 
of  Brooklyn  ;  American,  Philadelphia ;  Niagara,  New  York ;  Fireman's  Fund, 
San  Francisco ;  Western,  San  Francisco  ;  Sun,  San  Francisco  ;  Trans- Atlantic, 
Hamburg,  Germany ;  British  America,  Toronto  ;  Union  F.  &  M.,  New  Zealand ; 
St.  Paul,  St.  Paul.  Each  member  of  the  firm  has  held  responsible  positions  in 
the  community  where  they  reside.  Mr.  Turner  is  the  special  State  agent  and 
adjuster  for  the  British  America  Assurance  Co.  of  Toronto,  Canada.  Mr.  War- 
ner is  Secretary  of  the  Austin  Savings  and  Loan  Association.  The  firm 
respectfully  refer  to  any  banker  in  the  city. 

CRYSTAL   SALOON — CHARLES  CORTISSOZ,   PROPRIETOR;   CORNER  CONGRESS 
AVENUE  AND  PECAN  STREET. 

Austin,  among  her  other  attractions,  may  boast  of  possessing  the  finest 
saloon  and  billiard  parlor  not  only  in  Texas,  but  south  of  New  York.  We 
refer  to  the  well-known  "  Crystal "  Saloon,  of  which  Mr.  Charles  Cortissoz  is 
the  genial  proprietor.  The  "  Crystal "  is  fitted  out  in  the  most  elegant  and 
tasteful  manner,  with  every  convenience  and  luxury,  regardless  of  cost.  The 
finest  and  costliest  woods,  cherry  and  mahogany  only,  are  used;  the 
interior  doors  leading  from  the  bar  to  the  billiard  parlor  are  of  ground 
glass  of  the  most  expensive  quality,  and  the  other  equipments,  decanters, 
glasses,  etc.,  are  on  an  equally  fine  scale.  The  billiard  parlor  is  decorated 
with  the  costliest  wall  papers,  paintings,  etc.,  and  three  fine  billiard 
tables  and  one  pool  table  complete  the  sum  of  its  attractions.  The  liquors 
sold  by  the  "  Crystal "  are  the  best  to  be  found  in  Austin ;  and,  in  fact,  we  have 
no  hesitation  in  pronouncing  this  saloon  the  equal  of  any  in  the  country. 
We  cordially  recommend  it  to  all  who  visit  Austin  as  well  worthy  a  visit ;  and 
we  may  add  that  all  are  welcomed  by  Mr.  Cortissoz,  who  takes  a  natural  pride 
in  his  beautiful  place. 

A.  M.  C.  NIXON — ARCHITECT  ;  623  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

The  profession  of  the  architect  is  in  all  places  one  of  the  most  important, 
and  especially  so  in  Texas,  which  is  growing  so  rapidly  and  with  such  vigor. 
Austin,  as  the  capital  of  the  State,  may  boast  of  possessing  some  of  the  finest 
public  buildings,  and  private  dwellings  in  this  section ;  hence,  in  reviewing  the 
many  industries  and  professions  which  compose  the  sum  of  her  business  inter- 
ests, it  behooves  us  to  mention  the  architect  who  has  planned  the  structures  at 
once  substantial  and  elegant.  Mr.  A.  M.  C.  Nixon,  whose  name  heads  our 
article,  since  establishing  himself  at  Austin,  has  gained  a  wide  reputation  as  a 
capable  and  talented  architect,  and  has  built  up  a  business  which  enables  him 
to  limit  himself  to  one  line  of  his  profession,  namely,  churches,  opera  houses, 
and  private  buildings.  Among  his  best  known  works  are :  the  Georgetown 


96  AUSTIN — HER 


Methodist  Church,  and  the  Episcopal  Church ;  remodeled  entirely,  German 
Lutheran  Church,  Methodist  Church,  two  Colored  Churches,  in  this  city.  He  has 
also  remodeled  the  Market  House  of  Austin.  Besides  these,  numerous  splen- 
did private  buildings  throughout  the  State  and  city  attest  his  skill.  Mr.  Nixon 
is  a  gentleman  well  known  in  and  out  of  business  circles,  and  has  had  a  long 
and  thorough  training  at  his  profession,  serving  his  time  and  pursuing  his  studies 
with  one  of  the  most  celebrated  English  architects,  Alfred  Derbyshire,  Esq.,  F. 
R.  I.  B.  A.  We  cheerfully  recommend  Mr.  Nixon  to  all  interested  in  the  erec- 
tion of  private  buildings  and  other  edifices,  and  they  will  do  well  to  call  on  or 
correspond  with  him. 

F.  SCHMITZ — DEALER  IN  FURNITURE  AND  CARPETS,  MANUFACTURER  OF  MAT- 
TRESSES AND  SPRING  BOTTOMS  ;  205  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

Among  the  best  known  and  most  enterprising  establishments  of  Austin,  is 
that  of  Mr.  F.  Schmitz,  whose  name  heads  our  article.  He  occupies  the  com- 
modious building,  No.  205  East  Pecan  Street,  which  is  well  fitted  out  with  every 
convenience  for  the  quick  and  systematic  conduct  of  the  business.  An 
immense  stock  of  furniture  and  carpets  is  carried,  embracing  all  styles,  from 
the  plainest  to  the  handsomest,  and  which,  being  bought  direct,  are  placed  to 
the  public  at  most  reasonable  prices.  Mr.  Schmitz  is  a  gentleman  well  known 
in  and  out  of  business  circles,  and  has  built  up  his  business  in  the  face  of  the 
keenest  competition.  His  prices  will  compare  favorably  with  any  other  house 
in  the  State,  and  parties  here  and  elsewhere  will  find  it  to  their  advantage  to 
call  on  him.  He  also  makes  a  specialty  of  manufacturing  mattresses  and 
spring  bottoms ;  his  work  in  this  respect  being  equal  to  any  in  the  country. 
The  trade  will  do  well  to  note  this  last  addition,  and  to  write  Mr.  Schmitz  for 
particulars. 

THE  TEXAS  ABSTRACT  COMPANY— JAS.  A.  DICKENSON,  PRESIDENT, 
JAMES  P.  CRANE,  SECRETARY  ;  PRINCIPAL  OFFICE,  921  CONGRESS  AVENUE, 
AUSTIN,  TEXAS. 

The  immense  increase  of  the  population  of  Texas  within  the  past  few 
years,  and  the  consequent  proportionate  increase  in  the  value  of  lands  has  led 
to  many  vexatious  lawsuits,  which,  with  proper  care  and  consulting  competent 
parties,  would  have  been  avoided.  The  "  TEXAS  ABSTRACT  COMPANY,"  has  for 
its  object  the  perfecting  of  titles,  which,  through  carelessness,  and  other  causes, 
have  become  imperfect ;  and  with  this  view,  they  have  prepared  the  most  com- 
plete series  of  abstracts  in  the  State,  comprising  abstracts  not  only  from 
Travis  and  all  organized  counties,  but,  also  from  all  the  unorganized  counties 
in  the  State.  They  also  deal  largely  in  REAL  ESTATE,  make  loans  to  any 
amount,  pay  taxes  for  non-residents  on  land  in  any  part  of  the  State, 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  97 

and  are  general  agents  for  claims  against  the  State.  The  officers  are 
James  A.  Dickenson,  President,  and  James  P.  Crane,  Secretary;  both  gentle- 
men are  well  known,  and  of  long  and  thorough  experience  in  their  business. 
Possessing  ample  facilities  and  connections,  they  invite  correspondence .  in  all 
matters  pertaining  to  their  business.  Any  information  is  promptly  given,  and 
parties  here  and  elsewhere  having  transactions  in  their  line,  will  find  it  to  their 
advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with  them.  A  prominent  fact  connected 
with  this  company,  and  one  which  the  public  will  do  well  to  bear  in  mind,  is, 
that  this  is  the  only  company  in  the  State  of  Texas  doing  a  general  abstract  business. 

W.  B.  SWEENY — REAL  ESTATE  AND  RENTAL  AGENT  ;  714  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

This  gentleman  can  be  found  at  his  office  at  No.  714  Congress  Avenue, 
where  for  the  past  14  years  he  has  conducted  a  financial,  real  estate  and  rental 
agency.  His  qualifications  are  such  as  to  adapt  him  to  this  special  line  of 
business.  His  well-known  integrity,  ability  and  extensive  experience  have , 
won  him  a  patronage  that  is  as  lasting  as  it  is  merited.  Besides  selling  and 
renting  of  city  property,  he  also  handles  country  property,  such  as  farms  and 
improved  lands.  He  is  courteous  and  affable  to  all  his  patrons,  and,  as  a  result, 
they  are  pleased  with  their  business  relations.  In  the  insurance  business,  which 
is  a  part  of  his  enterprise,  he  has  associated  with  him  Mr.  C.  F.  Hill,  an  active 
young  man,  and  with  the  experience  of  age  and  the  activity  of  youth,  the 
future  success  of  this  department  is  assured.  They  represent  some  of  the 
most  prominent  insurance  companies  in  the  country,  both  fire  and  life,  and  can 
place  policies  in  companies  they  feel  assured  are  absolutely  safe.  All  busi- 
ness transactions  with  this  firm,  we  are  confident,  will  prove  pleasant,  and  be 
as  represented. 

W.  H.  FIREBAUGH  &  CO. — DEALERS  IN  HARDWARE,  AND  PLOW  AND  WAGON 
MATERIALS  ;  212  AND  214  PECAN  STREET. 

Among  the  firms  in  this  city  engaged  in  the  hardware  business,  W.  H. 
Firebaugh  &  Co.  occupy  a  prominent  place,  both  by  reason  of  the  energy  and 
enterprise  which  characterize  their  transactions,  and  the  magnitude  of  their 
operations.  The  buildings  occupied  are  conveniently  located  and  well  arranged 
for  the  business  for  which  they  are  used.  The  main  building  is  a  two  story 
structure,  covering  an  area  of  46x120  feet,  and  the  warehouse  adjoining  is  a 
one  story  building,  46x120  feet  in  size.  This  gives  an  immense  amount  of 
room,  but  no  more  than  is  needed  to  accommodate  the  large  stock  carried. 
This  stock  consists  of  a  full  line  of  shelf  and  heavy  hardware,  cutlery,  plow 
and  wagon  materials,  barb  wire,  tinware,  belting,  etc.  This  firm  buy  their 
goods  in  large  quantities,  thus  getting  the  benefit  of  the  lowest  prices,  and 


98  AUSTIN — HER 


this,  together  with  their  facilities  for  handling  goods  cheaply,  enables  them 
to  offer  their  customers  inducements  in  the  way  of  cheap  goods,  that  other 
firms  find  it  hard  to  compete  with.  In  consequence  they  have  a  large  trade, 
extending  over  a  great  part  of  the  surrounding  country,  and  aggregating 
more  than  $100,000  annually.  The  personnel  of  the  firm  is  composed  of  W. 
H.  Firebaugh,  G.  W.  Bartholomew,  and  C.  W.  Firebaugh,  all  gentlemen  of 
high  standing  among  the  business  men  of  the  community,  and  who  possess 
the  confidence  of  their  friends  and  patrons.  They  pay  the  strictest  personal 
attention  to  their  business,  conducting  it  upon  principles  of  the  most  progress- 
ive enterprise  and  the  broadest  liberality,  and  the  large  permanent  patronage 
which  they  enjoy  and  the  rapid  increase  of  their  business  speak  volumes  for 
the  popularity  of  their  house.  We  cheerfully  recommend  Messrs.  W.  H.  Fire- 
baugh &  Co.  to  the  confidence  and  patronage  of  our  readers,  feeling  assured 
that  any  business  relations  which  may  be  established  with  them  will  be  found 
both  pleasant  and  profitable. 

CAPITAL  BUSINESS  COLLEGE  AND  SCHOOL  OF  PENMANSHIP, 
SHORTHAND,  TYPE-WRITING  AND  TELEGRAPHY— 923  CON- 
GRESS AVENUE. 

J.  J.  Anderson,  A.  M.,  President,  Teacher  of  Mathematics,  Science  of 
Wealth,  German,  etc. ;  D.  A.  Griffits,  M.  A.,  Secretary,  Teacher  of  Theory  and 
Practice  of  Book-keeping,  Business  and  Ornamental  Penmanship,  etc. ;  T.  J. 
Ray,  Teacher  of  the  Spanish  Language  and  Literature;  Thomas  Murray, 
Teacher  of  Shorthand  and  Type-writing ;  B.  Morrall,  Teacher  of  Telegraphy ; 
A.  H.  Graham,  Lecturer  on  Commercial  Law;  C.  E.  Roth,  Instructor  in 
Physical  Education. 

Among  the  most  important  institutions  not  only  of  Texas,  but  of  the 
South,  is  the  Capital  Business  College,  whose  name  heads  our  article.  Its 
establishment  has  filled  a  long-felt  want,  enabling  our  young  men  to  obtain  a 
THOROUGH  business  education  without  the  enormous  expense  incident  to  a 
course  at  the  Northern  and  Eastern  business  colleges.  The  location  of  the 
college  is  all  that  can  be  desired,  being  on  the  busiest  thoroughfare  of  the  city, 
and  commanding  a  fine  view  from  the  twenty-four  windows  which  give  it 
light  and  air.  .  It  is  admirably  furnished  with  all  modern  conveniences  and 
appliances.  Since  its  opening  in  1882,  two  hundred  and  fifty  students  from  all 
parts  of  the  Uijion,  even  from  Europe,'  have  been  enrolled  on  its  books.  Pro- 
fessor Anderson  is  an  educator  of  long  and  varied  experience,  holding  the 
position  of  Vice-President  of  the  National  Agricultural  Association,  and  is  also  a 
contributor  to  several  leading  periodicals  of  the  day,  among  which  are  the  New 
York  Agriculturalist,  Texas  Farm  and  Ranche,  Texas  Siftings,  San  Antonio 
Express,  and  others;  and  he  is  also  now  preparing  for  publication  the  first 


TRADE,    COMMERCE    AND    INDUSTRIES.  99 


number  of  "  Men  and  Money,"  a  work  devoted  to  financial  interests  and  busi- 
ness education.  His  corps  of  assistants  are  equally  efficient  in  their  respective 
departments.  The  general  and  special  rates  of  tuition  are  as  follows : 

Life  Scholarship,  which  entitles  the  holder  to  Instruction  in 
Book-keeping,  Arithmetic,  Penmanship,  Grammar,  Rhetoric 
and  Political  Economy,  Commercial  Law,  Spelling,  Reading 
and  Letter-writing,  allowing  a  year  or  more  of  study  to  be 

taken  at  one  time  or  different  times $60.00 

The  same  course  limited  to  six  months 50.00 

The  same  course  limited  to  three  months 45.00 

A  course  in  Business  and  Ornamental  Penmanship 25.00 

Course  in  Telegraphy,  with  privilege  of  attending  the  Penman- 
ship Class  daily 30.00 

Spanish,  per  month,  night  sessions 2.50 

German,  per  month,  night  sessions 2.50 

Special  arrangements  will  be  made  with  students  of  Phonography,  Type- 
writing, Physical  Education  and  evening  classes.  Tuition  in  all  departments 
paid  in  advance  unless  special  arrangements  are  made. 

CLUB   RATES. 

When  two  pupils  from  the  same  family,  or  from  the  same  neighborhood, 
take  scholarships  at  the  same  time,  there  is  a  deduction  of  ten  per  cent ;  when 
three  enter  together,  fifteen  per  cent  is  discounted ;  and  when  four  or  more, 
twenty  per  cent  is  deducted  from  cost  of  scholarship  as  given  above.  Board 
and  lodging  cost  students  from  $15  to  $20  per  month. 

There  are  no  vacations  in  the  Capital  Business  College.  Students  are 
admitted  at  all  times  and  without  examination  or  special  qualifications. 
Students  not  well  prepared  get  a  thorough  preparatory  training  here.  The 
College  Literary  Society  offers  students  excellent  opportunities  for  improve- 
ment in  Debates,  Extempore  Addresses,  Declamations,  and  Writing  Essays ; 
and  business  men  and  firms  in  need  of  book-keepers  and  salesmen  will  con- 
sult their  interest  by  opening  correspondence  with  the  Capital  Business 
College. 

ZERR  &  BUASS — GALVANIZED  IRON  CORNICES  AND  METAL  ROOFING;  NEAR 
CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

This  is  probably  the  only  firm  in  the  city  engaged  in  this  line  of  business, 
and  the  business  carried  on  is  of  such  importance,  that  our  work  would  be 
incomplete  were  we  to  omit  it.  They  manufacture  galvanized  iron  cornices 
and  metal  roofing,  and  on  most  of  our  finest  buildings  can  be  seen  a  specimen 
of  their  work.  Their  trade  is  not  only  located  in  Austin,  but  extends  over  the 


100  AUSTIN — HER 


surrounding  country,  and  they  are  constantly  receiving  orders  from  different 
sections  of  the  State  for  work  of  this  kind.  Their  prices  are  very  reasonable, 
and  all  work  is  guaranteed  to  give  perfect  satisfaction.  Employment  is  given 
to  seven  skilled  workmen,  all  of  whom  are  experienced  hands,  and  the  pro- 
prietors give  their  personal  attention  to  all  work  done.  They  are  located  near 
Congress  Avenue,  and  the  building  occupied  has  all  the  facilities  for  carrying 
on  a  business  of  this  description.  Messrs.  M.  Zerr  &  J.  0.  Buass,  compose  the 
firm.  They  are  both  experienced  in  this  business,  having  thoroughly  learned 
the  trade,  and  we  commend  them  to  the  public,  feeling  assured  that  all  work 
done  by  them  will  give  perfect  satisfaction.  Our  many  readers  throughout  the 
State  who  are  in  need  of  work  of  this  kind  will  consult  their  own  interests  by 
corresponding  with  this  firm  before  placing  their  work  elsewhere. 

F.  EVERETT — REAL  ESTATE  AGENT  AND   NOTARY  PUBLIC;   812  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

Among  the  numerous  enterprises  carried  on  in  this  busy  hive  of  industry, 
and  which  by  no  means  should  be  omitted  in  a  work  of  this  description,  are 
the  real  estate  interests,  contributing,  as  they  do,  largely  to  the  wealth  and 
prosperity  of  the  city.  Among  those  firms  engaged  in  this  useful  branch  of 
trade,  who  have  won  a  name  for  activity  and  thorough  business  ability,  is  the 
house  of  F.  Everett,  located  at  812  Congress  Avenue.  He  conducts  principally 
a  notary  public  business,  and  deeds,  mortgages  and  legal  business  papers 
receive  his  personal  attention.  He  has  for  a  number  of  years  been  identified 
with  the  real  estate  business  in  this  city,  and  his  extended  acquaintance  with 
valuable  property  in  different  portions  of  the  city  and  State,  makes  him  a 
most  desirable  person  to  consult  by  those  contemplating  investment.  His  trans- 
actions are  all  conducted  upon  fair  and  honorable  business  principles,  making 
his  services  almost  invaluable  to  those  requiring  the  aid  of  a  real  estate  agent. 
Mr.  Everett's  prompt  and  straightforward  manner  has  won  for  him  the  confi- 
dence and  esteem  of  the  entire  community.  To  our  many  readers  scattered 
over  the  North  and  West  we  recommend  this  house,  feeling  assured  that  all 
business  entrusted  to  his  care  will  be  most  satisfactorily  transacted. 

D.  W.  JONES  &  CO.— FURNITURE  AND  CARPETS;    805  AND  807   CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

Among  the  most  prominent  of  the  business  houses  which  line  Congress 
Avenue  is  the  firm  of  D.  W.  Jones  &  Co.  They  occupy  a  commodious  build- 
ing, 50x160  feet  in  dimensions,  and  two  stories  in  height,  besides  having  ample 
room  for  outside  storage.  The  building  is  fitted  out  with  every  convenience 
for  the  prompt  and  systematic  conduct  of  the  business,  ten  hands  being  kept 
constantly  busy  filling  the  orders  which  come  from  city  as  well  as  country 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  101 

buyers.  The  stock  averages  $50,000  in  value,  and  consists  of  as  complete  a  line 
of  furniture,  carpets  and  upholstery  goods  as  can  be  found  in  any  city  in  the 
country.  Here  are  seen  all  styles  of  furniture,  from  the  neatest  and  plainest 
cottage  sets,  to  the  most  expensive  and  elegant  products  of  the  leading  facto- 
ries. Carpets  of  all  hues  and  designs,  English  and  American,  and  upholstery 
goods  of  every  description.  These  being  bought  direct,  are  placed  to  the  trade 
at  manufacturers'  prices,  and  the  large  and  fast-increasing  trade  of  this  well- 
known  house,  is  evidence  of  the  superior  quality  of  their  goods  and  their 
reasonable  terms.  All  goods  sold  by  this  firm  have  a  reputation  for  quality,  a 
fact  which  is  now  a  source  of  great  pride  to  Mr.  John  C.  Boak,  who  is  now  the 
sole  member  of  the  firm.  Mr.  Boak  is  well  known  in  and  out  of  business  cir- 
cles, and,  with  the  rapid  growth  of  Austin,  there  is  no  limit  to  the  future 
extension  of  his  business.  Bancroft  Library 

R.  H.  KIRBY — LAND  AND  GENERAL  AGENT  ;   No.  816  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

Austin  has  several  prominent  land  agents,  and  most  are  conducting  a  gen- 
eral land  business  on  commission.  The  business  conducted  by  the  subject  of 
this  sketch  is  more  in  buying  for  cash  when  decided  bargains  are  offered,  and 
thus  providing  himself  with  land  that  he  can  offer  decided  advantages  on, 
when  capitalists  call  upon  him  to  make  paying  investments.  He  has  been  in 
Austin  eight  years,  and  for  about  two  years  has  been  conducting  this  business. 
He  is  a  prompt  operator,  and  always  has  on  his  books  a  large  list  of  property 
that  selections  can  be  made  from,  which  will  prove  valuable  investments. 
Parties  who  are  compelled  to  realize  on  their  lands  will  find,  by  corresponding 
with  Mr.  Kirby,  an  outlet  from  their  embarrassments,  and  at  fair  and  honor- 
able rates.  We  can  commend  him  to  our  patrons  as  a  desirable  man  to  con- 
sult on  land  matters. 

STACY   &   HICKS — JOBBERS   OF   CIGARS   AND   TOBACCO;   106   WEST  PECAN 
STREET. 

In  compiling  a  historical  work  such  as  this,  embracing  a  review  of  the 
most  prominent  houses  engaged  in  the  different  branches  of  commercial  pur- 
suits, we  find  establishments  here  and  there,  which  deserve  somewhat  more 
than  a  passing  notice  at  our  hands,  by  reason  of  the  immense  amount  of  busi- 
ness done,  the  large  degree  of  popularity  which  they  enjoy,  and  the  spirit  of 
enterprise,  activity  and  progressiveness  which  pervades  their  every  department 
and  promotes  their  every  transaction.  Such  an'establishment  is  the  one  pre- 
sided over  by  the  well-known  and  no  less  popular  firm  of  Stacy  &  Hicks,  at 
106  West  Pecan  Street.  This  firm  have  been  doing  business  here  for  nearly  a 
year,  and  have  already  become  known  throughout  the  entire  West  as  being 
one  of  the  most  honorable  and  reliable  houses  to  deal  with.  The  building 


102  AUSTIN — HER 


used  is  commodious,  and  is  fitted  up  in  such  a  manner  as  to  make  this  estab- 
lishment one  of  the  most  complete  in  the  State,  in  point  of  equipments  and 
for  convenience  and  facility  in  handling  goods.  These  gentlemen  are  dealers 
in  tobaccos  and  cigars,  and  keep  all  the  desirable  brands  of  the  day.  They 
are  sole  agents  for  the  Star  Route,  Mardi  Gras,  and  numerous  other  cigars,  and 
for  the  Piper  Heidsiech  chewing  tobacco,  which  is  known  throughout  the 
United  States  for  its  delicious  champagne  flavor.  The  trade  of  this  house  is 
so  extensive  that  it  is  necessary  to  keep  two  traveling  salesmen  on  the  road 
continually.  The  individual  members  of  the  firm  are  Wm.  H.  Stacy  and 
Chas.  T.  Hicks,  the  former  having  been  a  resident  of  Austin  for  the  past 
eleven  years,  and  the  latter  five  years ;  and  it  can  be  truthfully  stated  that 
they  have  won  the  esteem  and  respect  of  the  community,  by  their  upright, 
honorable  course,  courteous  manners  and  fair  dealings.  Their  business  policy 
is  prompt  and  liberal,  and  we  cordially  commend  them  to  our  many  readers 
throughout  the  West,  as  being  a  firm  that  offer  superior  advantages  to  dealers 
in  this  line  of  goods,  and  correspondence  with  the  house  will  undoubtedly 
open  up  business  transactions  both  profitable  and  pleasant. 

CAPITAL  OIL  COMPANY— C.  W.  HOPKINS,  MANAGER;   106  WEST  PECAN 
STREFT. 

Since  the  establishment  of  this  company  three  years  ago,  with  its  perfect 
system  of  delivery  of  oil,  the  citizens  of  Austin  surely  have  had  no  reason 
to  complain.  The  company  having  sold  only  high-test  and  superior  oil  that 
could  be  relied  upon,  and  given  full  measure,  as  well  as  delivered  it  at  their 
residences  free  of  cost,  and  at  any  time  and  in  any  quantity  as  might  be 
desired.  Mr.  Hopkins'  office  is  with  Messrs.  Stacy  &  Hicks,  where  all  orders 
can  be  left,  and  they  will  receive  the  earliest  attention  and  prompt  delivery. 
We  are  glad  to  know  that  housekeepers  are  generally  favoring  this  enterprise, 
as  they  find  thereby  that  their  groceries  are  free  from  any  oil  odor,  as  was  for- 
merly the  case  when  delivered  with  their  groceries.  Doing  an  extensive 
business  and  making  it  a  specialty,  he  is  enabled  to  buy  in  larger  lots,  thus 
making  a  saving  in  purchase,  which  profit  he  divides  with  his  patrons.  The 
enterprise  is  a  credit  to  the  city,  and  should  receive  very  liberal  patronage. 

A.   GARDNER    &    CO. — LUMBER  DEALERS  AND  PLANING  MILL;   CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

This  new  and  enterprising  establishment  is  favorably  located  near  Con- 
gress Avenue,  and  has  large  yard  room  to  handle  the  stock  of  lumber,  laths, 
shingles,  and  stock  usually  found  in  a  first-class  lumber  yard.  In  connection, 
also,  they  have  a  new  planing  mill,  sash,  door  and  blind  factory,  with  ample 
steam  power,  and  all  the  most  modern  improved  machinery  to  conduct  the 


TRADE,   COMMERCE   AND  INDUSTRIES.  103 

same.  All  building  material  is  here  prepared  at  short  notice,  and  can  be 
relied  on  as  being  finished  in  a  perfect  and  superior  manner.  None  but 
skilled  men  are  given  employment  here,  and  good  work  is  required  at  their 
hands.  Parties  who  desire  business  in  their  line,  whether  merchants  or 
builders,  will  find  them  a  liberal  and  progressive  firm,  and  one  which  takes 
good  care  of  their  patrons.  With  the  best  facilities  to  supply  themselves  with 
lumber,  they  can  compete  with  any  similar  concern  in  the  State  in  selling 
lumber  at  low  prices.  Being  manufacturers  of  builders'  material,  they  can 
deal  with  the  closest  buyers.  In  advantages  offered  to  the  trade,  both  in  qual- 
ity and  price  of  goods,  the  firm  compete  successfully  with  any,  and  as  a  desir- 
able one  with  which  to  establish  agreeable,  profitable  and  permanent  relations, 
has  no  superior  anywhere. 

EDWARD  W.  SHANDS  &  SON  — GENERAL  REAL  ESTATE  AND  INSURANCE; 
163  EAST  PECAN  STREET. 

In  reviewing  the  industries  of  Austin,  we  find  some  that  are  entitled  to 
prominent  notice  on  account  of  the  length  of  time  they  have  been  in  business, 
as  well  as  the  honorable  conduct  that  has  been  manifested  in  all  their  transac- 
tions. Among  these  is  the  firm  of  Shands  &  Son.  The  elder,  formerly  in  this 
business  in  St.  Louis,  came  to  Austin  while  it  was  an  infant  city,  and  by  his 
familiarity  with  the  rise  and  value  of  the  property  of  the  city,  is  well  quali- 
fied to  handle  intelligently  any  interests  entrusted  to  his  charge.  Laterly  he 
has  had  the  assistance  of  his  son,  who,  as  a  partner,  is  an  invaluable  help  in 
prosecuting  the  business  successfully.  Both  the  real  estate  and  insurance 
departments  are  efficiently  managed  and  honorably  conducted,  and  it  is  with 
no  small  degree  of  pleasure  we  make  notice  of  this  firm  in  reviewing  the  his- 
tory of  Austin,  as  we  can  assure  our  readers  they  are  well  worthy  of  confidence. 

WAYLAND  &  CRISER — WHOLESALE  AND  RETAIL  GROCERS  ;  807  CONGRESS 
AVENUE. 

Among  the  business  houses  which  line  Congress  Avenue,  one  of  the 
largest  and  best  known  is  that  of  Messrs.  Way  land  &  Criser,  whose  name 
heads  our  article.  Their  building  is  a  substantial  and  commodious  one,  and 
is  fitted  out  with  every  convenience  for  the  quick  and  systematic  conduct  of 
the  business.  Their  stock  comprises  all  that  can  be  found  in  an  essentially 
first-class  grocery  establishment,  and  is  constantly  replenished ;  care  being 
taken  to  keep  up  with  the  latest  novelties  in  all  departments.  The  trade, 
which  reaches  a  large  and  rapidly  increasing  amount,  extends  throughout  the 
city  and  State ;  the  superior  quality  of  their  groceries  finding  favor  wherever 
they  are  introduced.  Transacting  a  large  wholesale  as  well  as  retail  business, 
all  their  goods  are  bought  direct ;  hence,  they  are  enabled  to  place  them  to  the 


104  AUSTIN — HER 


trade,  as  well  as  to  consumers,  at  terms  which  few  can  duplicate.  Messrs. 
Wayland  &  Criser  are  both  gentlemen  well  known  in  and  out  of  business  cir- 
cles, and  have  built  up  their  present  fine  business  in  the  face  of  the  keenest 
competition.  Messrs.  Wayland  &  Criser  also  do  a  large  commission  and  pro- 
duce business,  receiving  consignments  of  butter,  fruits  and  other  produce,  and 
watching  closely  the  markets,  they  are  enabled  to  procure  the  very  best  prices 
for  consignments.  They  also  possess  ample  storage  facilities  for  any  amount 
of  produce.  Under  their  favorable  auspices,  and  with  the  rapid  growth  of 
Austin,  there  is  no  limit  to  the  future  extension  of  their  business.  All  com- 
munications receive  prompt  attention,  and  parties  here  and  elsewhere  will  find 
it  to  their  advantage  to  call  on  or  correspond  with  them. 


0.  N.  HOLLINGSWORTH— LAND  AND  LIVE  STOCK  AGENCY;  717  CONGRESS 
AVENUE,  AUSTIN,  TEXAS. 

Although  not  long  established,  the  transactions  of  the  above  firm  will 
compare  favorably  with  those  of  any  similar  one  in  Austin.  Mr.  Hollings- 
worth  has  on  his  books  large  tracts  of  the  best  grazing  lands  scattered  through- 
out Texas,  Old  and  New  Mexico,  and  which  he  offers  at  most  reasonable  terms, 
so  as  to  place  a  comfortable  home  within  the  reach  of  all.  Besides  these  large 
surveys,  he  has  in  different  sections  of  the"  State,  small  surveys  adapted  either 
to  grazing  or  farming,  and  also  in  Travis  and  adjacent  counties  he  has  im- 
proved farms  for  sale.  He  has  also  a  number  of  desirable  city  residences  and 
lots  for  sale.  But  it  is  of  the  splendid  ranche  at  Fort  Stockton  that  we  desire 
especially  to  speak.  The  ranche  comprises  an  area  of  42,000  acres ;  6,000 
acres  of  which  can  be  irrigated  immediately,  the  ditches  being  cut,  and  the 
water  ready  to  be  turned  on.  On  these  lands  25  to  30  bushels  of  wheat,  and 
35  to  40  bushels  of  corn  per  acre  can  be  easily  grown.  The  Frijola  Bean 
grows  luxuriantly ;  the  celebrated  El  Paso  and  other  grapes  flourish  and  fruits 
of  all  kinds  and  garden  vegetables  can  be  raised  in  large  quantities.  The 
adjacent  country  is  thickly  set  with  the  nutritious  Gamma  Grass  which 
matures  in  the  early  Fall  into  natural  hay.  Upwards  of  1,000,000  acres 
are  directly  tributary  to  and  are  drained  by  the  beautiful  stream  which  irri- 
gates the  valley  of  this  magnificent  ranche.  Being  at  an  altitude  of  about 
3,000  feet  above  the  sea,  the  air  is  singularly  pure ;  hence  the  cattle  raised 
here  are  free  from  all  character  of  disease.  At  present  three  hundred  head  of 
horses,  and  thirteen  thousand  cattle  range  here,  each  year  showing  a  groat 
increase  of  their  number ;  and  so  fine  is  the  climate,  and  so  rich  the  pasture, 
that  six  times  that  number  could  easily  be  maintained.  Besides  this,  there  is 
a  United  States  Fort  with  garrison,  officers'  quarters,  and  immense  and  thor- 
oughly fitted  out  stables  which  could  be  utilized  for  housing  and  properly 
caring  for  improved  stock.  With  all  these  combined  advantages,  Fort  Stock- 


TRADE,  COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  105 

ton  Ranche  could  be  made  the  finest  breeding  farm  in  the  world,  and  the 
point  to  which  stockraisers  in  various  parts  of  the  country  would  send  to  pro- 
cure their  choicest  breeding  animals.  This  splendid  property,  which  includes 
the  Fort  and  about  thirty  other  houses,  is  now  for  sale,  and  we  commend  the 
above  sketch  to  the  careful  consideration  of  those  who  would  make  a  safe  and 
profitable  investment.  All  communications  addressed  to  Mr.  Hollingsworth 
regarding  this  or  any  other  property  which  he  has  for  sale,  will  receive  prompt 
attention. 

MORRISON  &  FOURMY— DIRECTORY  PUBLISHERS.    ESTABLISHED  1876.    MAIN 
OFFICE,  170  TREMONT  STREET,  GALVESTON. 

In  no  branch  of  the  publishing  business  has  there  been  greater  progress 
made  in  the  last  score  of  years,  than  in  that  devoted  to  the  publishing  of  city 
directories.  Prior  to  the  civil  war  it  was  only  the  very  large  cities  of  the 
country  that  boasted  a  directory,  and  even  those  few  were  insignificant  publi- 
cations, compared  with  those  of  to-day,  being  too  feebly  supported  by  the  busi- 
ness public  to  justify  a  publishing  house  in  expending  the  time,  labor  and 
capital  requisite  to  make  them  the  comprehensive  vademecums  they  should  have 
been  and  are  now.  But  the  enterprising  publishers  of  America  have  been 
indefatigable  in  their  efforts  to  educate  the  masses  up  to  a  full  knowledge  of  the 
indispensable  value  of  a  thoroughly  complete  and  reliable  city  directory,  and 
as  a  result,  we  now  find  that  the  most  ordinary  towns  in  every  section  of  our 
country  clamor  each  year  for  a  new  directory,  and  it  is  a  slow-poke  community 
indeed  that  will  not  contribute  liberally  to  the  publishing  of  a  new  directory 
of  their  town  at  least  once  every  two  years.  No  publishing  firm  has  done 
more  to  bring  about  this  improved  condition  of  intelligence,  than  Messrs.  Mor- 
rison &  Fourmy,  the  well-known  publishers  of  Texas  City  Directories  (estab- 
lished in  1876),  and  too  much  credit  cannot  be  accorded  them  for  the  good  they 
have  accomplished,  the  benefits  they  are  continually  conferring  upon  the 
public  at  large  and  the  important  influence  they  are  exerting  upon  the  devel- 
opment of  our  cities  and  towns  throughout  the  State  through  their  invaluable 
directories.  The  firm  now  publishes  regularly,  annual  or  bi-ennial  directories, 
in  the  cities  of  Galveston,  Houston,  San  Antonio,  Dallas,  Austin,  Waco,  Fort 
Worth,  Sherman  and  Dennison — all  live,  go-ahead  Texas  cities — and  also 
Shreveport,  Louisiana.  The  rapid  advances  which  these  several  cities  are  mak- 
ing as  centers  of  trade,  commerce  and  industry  ;  must  in  a  very  considerable 
measure  be  ascribed  to  such  valuable  adjuncts  as  the  well-printed,  comprehen- 
sive and  thoroughly  reliable  directory  they  each  support  liberally  and  with  the 
spirit  of  true  nineteenth  century  progression.  The  main  office  of  this  exten- 
sive directory  publishing  house  is  located  at  No.  170  Tremont  street,  Galveston, 
and  where  are  kept  on  file  all  directories  of  the  principal  cities  of  the  United 


106 


AUSTIN — HER 


States,  and  also  back  files  of  their  own  Texas  publications,  for  reference,  free  to 
the  general  public.  Messrs.  Morrison  &  Fourmy  are  arranging  to  add  several 
other  live  Texas  cities  to  their  list  of  directory  publications  this  year,  another 
evidence  of  the  appreciation  by  the  public  of  their  capable  works.  ' 

F.  E.  RUFFINI — ARCHITECT,  OVER  SAMOSTZ'  DRUG  STORE  ;  CONGRESS  AVENUE. 

The  art  of  architecture,  which  in  ancient  times  assumed  grand  propor- 
tions, during  the  present  century  has  made  rapid  strides  toward  perfection,  and 
at  the  present  time  for  variety  and  beauty  of  style,  for  durability,  strength 
and  pleasing  appearance  it  seems  to  have  reached  its  acme.  These  thoughts 

have  come  to  us  while  viewing 
some  of  the  structures  built  under 
the  masterly  plans  of  Mr.  F.  E. 
Ruffini,  an  artist  who  has  reached 
the  top  round  of  the  profession, 
as  is  evidenced  by  the  patronage 
he  is  receiving  from  the  public 
where  he  resides;  and  he  is  well 
worthy  of  the  confidence  of  our 
readers  abroad  who  desire  the 
services  of  a  competent  architect. 
Not  only  do  many  of  the  public  buildings  of  Austin  stand  as  a  monument  to 
his  skill,  but  the  beauty  and  convenience  of  many  of  our  most  admired  resi- 
dences show  evidences  of  his  masterly  work.  Parties  throughout  the  State  can 
reach  him  by  correspondence  and  will  receive  prompt  replies.  We  are  glad  to 
add  that  he  is  considered  in  Austin  not  only  a  man  of  ability,  but  conscientious 
and  reliable  in  all  business  transactions.  He  employs  skilled  help  and  guaran- 
tees all  work  to  give  perfect  satisfaction.  He  provides  competent  men  to 
superintend  his  plans  in  building  when  desired,  and  he  is  recognized  among 
the  profession  as  being  one  of  the  first.  His  terms  are  as  liberal  as  can  be  had 
where  the  same  ability  is  desired. 

PAUL  PRESSLER — SOLE  AGENT  FOR  SEMPS'  ST.  Louis  LAGER  BEER  ;  OFFICE 
AND  BEER  VAULTS,  N.  E.  CORNER  CYPRESS  AND  GUADALUPE  STREETS 
OPPOSITE  I.  &  G.  N.  R.  R.  FREIGHT  DEPOT. 

The  qualities  for  which  Semps'  St.  Louis  Lager  Beer  is  noted  are  chiefly 
distinguisded  for  purity,  brilliancy  of  color,  richness  of  flavor  and  non-liability, 
to  deteriorate  in  warm  climates — qualities,  the  result  of  excellent  water,  coupled 
with  the  use  of  apparatus  possessing  all  the  best  modern  improvements  and  the 
superior  standard  of  both  quality  and  quantity  of  ingredients  used,  all  of  which 
has  resulted  in  producing  a  beer  which  for  palatableness,  flavor,  tonic  qualities 


TRADE,    COMMERCE   AND   INDUSTRIES.  107 

is  not  surpassed  anywhere  and  has  made  the  beer  famous  and  giving  it  a 
world-wide  reputation  and  increasing  demand.  Mr.  Paul  Pressler,  sole  agent 
for  this  beer,  has  been  connected  with  it  since  its  first  introduction  to  Austin 
and  has  managed  the  business  with  that  admirable  tact  and  ability  acquired 
by  long  experience  in  the  beering  trade.  He  is  a  popular  man  and  has  already 
brought  up  the  annual  sales  of  this  beer  to  about  100  carloads.  He  has  provi- 
ded all  facilities  to  keep  the  beer  in  an  even  temperature  so  that  when  ordered 
it  is  sent  out  in  a  fresh  and  healthy  state.  Our  readers  from  abroad  who  may 
desire  to  handle  a  beer  that  is  strictly  first-class  should  not  fail  to  correspond 
with  Mr.  Pressler,  who  will  be  prompt  and  faithful  to  his  patrons.  The  office 
and  beer  vaults  are  located  directly  opposite  the  freight  depot  of  the  Interna- 
tional &  Great  Northern  Railroad,  thus  affording  him  advantages  in  receiving 
and  shipping  beer,  the  importance  of  which  is  apparent. 

LAND  &  THOMPSON — REAL  ESTATE  AND  LAND  AGENCY,  FOR  THE  SALE, 
PURCHASE,  EXCHANGE  AND  LEASE  OF  IMPROVED  AND  UNIMPROVED 
PROPERTY;  ALSO,  FIRE  INSURANCE  AGENTS;  DALLAS,  TEXAS. 

The  importance  of  the  commission  agent  in  the  business  affairs  of  this  life 
is  thoroughly  understood  by  every  intelligent,  wide-awake  man  of  the  nine- 
teenth century.  No  other  medium  is  so  capable  for  establishing  the  most  inti- 
mate relations  between  the  seller  and  the  buyer — no  matter  how  utter  strangers 
all  parties  may  be  or  how  widely  separated  by  distance — and  no  other  medium 
labors  so  assiduously  to  promote  their  respective  interests  by  conferring  upon 
either  party  alike  special  advantages  and  otherwise  unattainable  benefits.  He 
is  the  mutual  friend  and  adviser,  or  go-between,  that  may  be  relied  upon  im- 
plicitly, and  in  no  branch  of  business  has  his  services  been  sought  to  a  greater 
extent,  and  with  more  gratifying  results,  than  in  matters  pertaining  to  real 
estate.  The  firm  of  Land  &  Thompson,  Dallas,  Texas,  are  one  of  the  many 
engaged  in  this  occupation  that  can  be  commended  to  the  public  at  large  as 
eminently  qualified  and  thoroughly  reliable,  having  been  closely  connected  with  the 
business  for  the  past  twenty  years.  Their  experience,  comprehensive  knowl- 
edge of  the  real  estate  and  land  business  in  every  detail,  and  extensive  facili- 
ities  for  safely  conducting  it  in  all  its  various  branches,  together  with  their 
wide  acquaintance  with  capitalists,  large  land  operators,  manufacturers  and 
others  interested  in  land  properties,  gives  "them  very  decided  advantages  over 
the  majority  of  Texas  land  agents,  and  enables  the  firm  to  guarantee  the  most 
perfect  satisfaction  in  the  transacting  of  all  business  entrusted  to  their  charge. 
They  buy,  sell,  exchange,  lease  and  rent  farms,  ranches,  and  improved  or  unim- 
proved lands  of  all  descriptions.  They  pay  taxes  on  property  and  keep  up 
improvements  and  insurance  policies.  They  make  a  specialty  of  looking  after 
non-resident  property  owners  interests,  with  the  same  watchful  care  they  exer- 


108  AUSTIN — HER 


else  over  their  own  property,  and  invite  correspondence  from  either  holders  of 
Texas  property,  at  home  or  abroad,  on  the  subject  of  this  department  of  their 
business.  They  are  also  prepared  to  locate  scrip  on  choice  lands,  perfect  titles, 
value  lands,  make  divisions  of  property,  make  loans  on  choice  farms  or  valua- 
ble lands  of  any  description,  and  make  investments  for  capitalists.  In  their 
department  devoted  to  city  business  they  give  the  same  careful  and  experi- 
enced attention  to  buying  and  selling  or  exchange  of  real  estate,  renting  and 
collection  of  rents,  keeping  property  in  repair,  insuring,  paying  of  taxes, 
the  general  care  of  estates  belonging  to  residents  or  non-residents.  The  firm 
also  places  fire  risks  upon  all  classes  of  portable  property  and  improved  real 
estate  in  the  staunchest  insurance  companies  in  the  country.  In  this  connec- 
tion they  are  prepared  to  represent  any  fire  insurance  company  of  merit  that 
desires  to  enter  the  State  of  Texas,  and  will  entertain  proposals  from  corpora- 
tions to  that  end.  The  firm  make  a  leading  specialty  of  handling  lands  suita- 
ble for  agriculture  and  stock  purposes,  and  invite  the  particular  attention  of 
stockmen  and  farmers  to  their  extensive  facilities  and  superior  inducements. 
They  control  over  one  million  acres  of  the  finest  farming  and  grazing  lands  in 
the  State,  and  which  they  are  now  placing  on  the  market,  to  be  sold  at  unusu- 
ally low  rates  to  actual  settlers.  Messrs.  Land  and  Tnompson  are  capable, 
energetic  business  men,  of  firm  integrity,  sound  judgment,  and  conservative 
management,  possessed  of  unquestionable  executive  ability  and  financial 
talents  of  a  high  order,  who  are  liberally  endorsed  by  the  best  citizens  of 
Texas  and  the  South,  as  well  as  of  the  Western  and  Eastern  cities.  Enterpris- 
ing, skillful  operators,  keeping  fully  abreast  with  the  progressive  age,  and 
possessing  a  complete  knowledge  of  the  magnificent  resources  of  Texas  for 
agriculture,  stock-raising,  mining,  manufactures,  commerce  and  capital,  and 
moreover  laboring  with  a  keen  interest  in  the  development  of  that  grand 
destiny  which  every  penetrative  mind  recognizes  as  the  future  portion  of  the 
State,  the  firm  of  Land  &  Thompson  commends  itself  to  the  public  as  one  from 
whom  the  most  liberal  treatment  may  be  expected,  and  who  may  be  relied 
upon  to  the  fullest  extent  for  the  judicious  handling  of  all  interests  placed  in 
their  charge,  and  with  the  highest  possible  advantages  to  their  patrons. 


DALLAS 


PfOUSS,    fiixfcJOSS 


,     Proprietors. 


THE    LRRG-EST   CIRCULATION  IN  NORTH   TEXAS, 


The  Columns  of  the  Herald  are  replete  with  news  from  every  section.     Pull  Associated  Press  Dispatches. 
and  Specials  from  all  Portions  of  the  State 

SYNOPSIS  OP  DECISIONS  OF  SUPREME  AND  APPELLATE  COURTS  BY  THE  FINEST  LAW  REPORTER  IN  THE  STATE. 

TO  THE  MERCHANTS   IT  OFFERS 

THE  MOST  COMPLETE  AND  RELIABLE  MARKET  AND  FINANCIAL  REPORT 

PUBLISHED  IN  THE  STATE. 


THE  WEEKLY 


Is  printed  on  a  large  eight-page,  seven-column  sheet;  contains  all  the  features  of  the  Day,  together  with  special  news 
and  a  vast  amount  of  select  miscellaneous  reading  matter. 


JOB 


BOOK  AND  COMMERCIAL  PRINTING 


OIF1 
ESTIMATES    FURNISHED. 


G.  B.  SSODBA^D, 

DENTIST, 

Goipgress  jA.Ve. 


Work  promptly  and  Skillfully  executed  and  per- 
fect satisfaction  guaranteed. 


S.S.SHACKELFORD 
*  ilcuth-t,  * 

Dental  Rooms,  520  ^  522  Congress  Ave. 

OVER  SAMOSTZ  DRUG  STORE. 


THE  BEST  BEER  IN  THE  SOUTH  AND  FOR  THE 


LONE  STAR  BREWING  CO., 

SAN  ANTON  I  A,   TEX. 

E.   HALLMARTK,  AGENT, 

312  CONGRESS  AVE..  AUSTIN,  TEX. 

2=a.tro3a.lza 


REUBEN    W.  FORD, 

Land  Surveyor  and  Civil  Engineer, 

OFFICE,  FIRST  FLO  R  COURT  HOUSE, 
With  County  Surveyor. 

Mr.  'Ford  has  been  here  26  years  and  is  well  ac- 
quainted with  the  several  leading  counties.  He 
gives  careful  attention  to  business  entrusted  to 
him,  and  will  promptly  perform  the  same  for 
moderate  compensation. 


THE  UNITED  STATES  MILLER, 


MILWAUKEE,  WIS. 


THE  LEflDING  MILLING   JOURNHL  IN  SMERICH. 

E.  HARRISON  CAWKER,  PUBLISHER. 

SUBSCRIPTION  PRICE,  $1.00  PER  ANNUM.  FOR  ADVERTISING  RATES  ADDRESS  AS  ABOVf. 


THE!    BE1ST    ROUTE! 

FROM 

Chicago  »]Vli1waukee 


-TO- 


MENASHA, 
NEENAH, 
APPLETON, 
DEPERE, 

GREEN  BAY, 

FT.  HOWARD, 

Marinette,  His.,  and  Menominee,  Mich. 


-IS  VIA- 


C.,  M.  &  ST.  PAUL  RAILWAY 


FROM  CHICAGO 

AND  THE 


Milwaukee*  Northern  Railway 


FFIOIME   MILWAUKEE. 


ALL  TRAINS  ARRIVE  AT  AND  DEPART  FROM  UNION    DEPOTS. 


W.  W.  TABBERNER,  General  Agent,  C.  F,  DDTTON,  General  Superintendent, 

55  CLARK  ST.,  CHICAGO,   ILL.  MILWAUKEE,  WIS. 


COTTON  BELT  ROUTE. 


TXEAS  AND  ST.  LOUIS  R'Y. 
THK  NEU1  THROUGH  LJNE 


-FROM- 


ARKANSAS  AND  TEXAS^ 


BY  WAY  OF  CAIRO  TO 


'm 

JLa 

Connecting  in  Union  Depots  with  Through  Trains  for  all  points  in 

Illinois,       Iowa,         Wisconsin,        Michigan, 

Indiana,    Ohio,    Pennsylvania,  New 

York  and  all   Points 

NORTH  and  EAST 


Pullman  Palace  Sleeping  Cars,  Pullman  Parlor  Cars   and   Elegant   Day   Coaches  run 

through  to  St.  Louis 

WITHOUT  CHANGE. 


Only  one  change  to  Chicago.  Don't  buy  a  ticket  to  any  point  North  or  East  until  you 
have  found  out  what  you  can  get  one  for  via  the  new  line.  Specially  good  accommo- 
dations for  all  classes  of  travel.  For  maps,  time  tables,  rates,  etc.,  apply  to  any  agent  of 
the  TEXAS  AND  ST.  Louis  E'Y  COMPANY,  or  to 

W.  R.  WOODARD,  A.  C.  SHELDON, 

Receiver  and  Gen'l  Manager.  Gen'l  Passenger  Agent 

25  S.  FOURTH  ST.,  ST.  LOUIS,  MO. 


Gulf,  Colorado  &  Santa  Fe  Railway 


The  only  Solid  Through  Line  between  Northern  Texas  and  the  Gulf 

TRAVERSING  NINETEEN  COUNTIES. 


THE  MOST  FERTILE  AUD  PRODUCTIVE  OT  THE  STATE, 


PRINCIPAL  CITIES  AND  TOWNS  ARE: 


Galveston, 

Houston, 
Richmond, 

Rosenberg, 
Bellville, 

Brenliam, 
Someiville, 

Navasota, 
Montgomery, 

Caldwell. 
Milano, 


Temple, 
Belton, 

Lampasas  S, 
McGregor, 

Meridan, 
Morgan, 

Cleburne, 
Alvarado. 

Fjit  Worth, 
Dallas. 


The  Elrado  i  Farmer!  The  Elysium  1  Stockman! 

THE  PARADISE  OF  THE  IMMIGRANT! 


Direct  Connection  with  all  Trunk  Lines  and  Water  Routes. 


SUPERIOR  ADVANTAGES  FOR  HANDLING  PASSENGERS  OR  FREIGHT, 


TO 


Through  Tickets,  Through  Baggage  Checks,  Through  Bills  of  Lading,  to  and  from  all  points. 


WEBSTER  SNYDER, 

General  Manager. 


OSCAR  G.  MURRAY, 

(iou'l  Freight  and  Pass.  Agt. 


GALVESTON,    TEXAS. 


A 


5u;o 

Sent  with  your  full   address  to  A.  V.  H.  CARPENTER,   General   Passenger 


Stamp 


Agent,   Milwaukee,   Wis,,   will    bring    to    you    oqe    of  t^e 

following    qarqed    publications,     issued    for 

free    distributioq    by    the 


/T\ilu/aul^ 


I^ailu/ay. 


If  you  desire  to  kqow  where  to  spsqd  the  Summer,  ask  for  a  "GUIDE 
TO  SUMMER  HOMES"  aqd  a  copy  of  "GEMS  OF  THE  NORTHWEST." 
If  you  thiqk  of  going  to 


O:m. 


*,    etc 


ask  for  "A  TALE  OF  NINE  CITIES,"  If  you  want  to  invest  in,  or  go 
to,  aqy  portioq  of  the  Westerq  States  or  Territories,  ask  for  a  copy  of  our 
28-page  illustrated  parqphlet,  eqtitled,  "THE  NORTHWEST  AND  FAR 
WEST."  All  of  trpse  publications  contaiq  valuable  information,  which 
caq  be  obtaiqed  iq  qo  otrjer  way, 


OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO&OOO 


HOUSTON  TEXAS  CENTRAL  R'Y. 

THE  ONLY  ALL  STEEL  RAIL  LINE  IX  THE  STATE. 


THE  ONLY    LINE  IN  TEXAS  RUNNING 

TWH  HfllLY  PASSENGER  TRAINS  EflCH  WflY, 


PULLMAN    PARLOR   CARS  ON    DAY  TRAINS 


*-      -PULLMAN  SLEEPING   CARS  ON  NIGHT  TRAINS 

And  with  its  Connections  forms  the  only  DOUBLE  DAILY  ROUTE 
FROM  NORTHERN  and  CENTRAL  TEXAS 

TO    NEW   ORJUEANB! 

Where  IMMEDIATE  Connections  are  made  with  THROUGH  CAR 
Lines  FOR  ALL  POINTS  NORTH  AND  EAST. 

THE  SHORTEST  LINE! 

Between  Texas,  Kansas  City,  Hannibal  and  St.  Louis,  and  Favorable  Routes  via  DENI- 

SON  and  MISSOURI  PACIFIC  R'Y  to  KANSAS  CITY,  HANNIBAL  or 

St.  Louis  to  all  Points  East,  North  and  West. 

THROUGH  SLEEPER  EVERY  DAY,  EACH  WAY, 


NEW  ORLEANS  &  ST.  Louis, 


-\TA- 


LAFAYETTE,  LA,,  HOUSTON,  DALLAS,  SHERMAN  AND  DENISON,  TEXAS, 

AM)   TI1KXCK   VIA 

Missouri  Pacific  R'y,  through  the  Indian  Territory,  via  Fort  Scott,  Kan.,  and  Sedalia,  Mo. 


SLEEPERS   DAILY   EACH    WAY   BETWEEN    HOUSTON   AND   AUSTIN. 

Through  Tickets  from  or  to  any  point  in  Great  Britain  or  Continent  of  Europe,  via  the 
HOISTON  &  TEXAS  CENTRAL   RAILWAY,  via  all  rail  to  New  York  or 
Baltimore;  thence  via  NORTH  (iERMAN  LLOYD,  WHITE  STAR, 
INMAN.  STATE.   ROTTERDAM,  and  ITALIAN  STEAM- 
SHIP LINES,  on  sale  at  important  Stations  on  line 
of  this  Railway,  and  at  all  other  Principal 

Towns  in  Texas. 

<g°  Persons  desiring  to  purchase  prepaid  tickets,  to  send  to  friends  in  Europe,  \\illj 
save  money  by  consulting  our  Agents. 

0"  For  information  as  to  rfttes  of  Freight,  1'asisage.  Routes,  etc.,  apply  in  person  orj 
by  letter  to 

DAN'L  R1PLEY,  G.  F.  A.,  A.  FAULKNER,  G.  P.  A., 

J.  WALDO,  V.  P.  and  T.  Manager,  HOUSTON,  TEXAS. 


Lithomount 
Pamphlet 

Binder 
Gaylord  Bros. 

Makers 

Stockton,  Calif. 
PAT.  JAN  21,  1908 


